Our Hong Kong Foundation says city can adopt model expanding care to dying patients outside hospitals
Hong Kong can save more than HK$90,000 (US$11,470) per patient in medical expenses if the city provides better measures to allow more residents to receive support and die at home or in care facilities, a local think tank has said, calling on the government to develop a plan framework for people in their last days.
Our Hong Kong Foundation on Thursday released a research report on end-of-life care and proposed five key recommendations in stepping up support to allow dying patients to spend their days outside hospital.
“If we have a comprehensive end-of-life care system, it could help reduce the usage of hospital services,” foundation vice-president Ryan Ip Man-ki said.
If the city adopted the model allowing dying patients to be cared for outside hospital, the healthcare system could save HK$91,460 per individual on their medical expenses, the foundation said, citing data from an ongoing Hong Kong Jockey Club programme supporting end-of-life care in the community.
