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provision model. Much related planning is yet to be done considering that only 8.8% of
respondents in our study received EoLC-related information from medical professionals in
community settings, although 40.8% of respondents preferred to get end-of-life advice and
support from these professionals. (OHKF, 2019a). Our already overstretched public hospitals
render it indispensable to develop the end-of-life care in community settings. The coordination of
services between different levels and sectors of care is vital in ensuring that one’s end-of-life
needs will be attended to along the journey between hospitals and community settings.

To conclude, our health system should take on a holistic approach in health service provision so
that needs of individuals are consistently met throughout the entire life course; including the final
stages of life. As we move towards a primary care-led, person-centred, integrated health system,
community resources should continuously be leveraged upon as we shift care burden from our
currently overstretched public health system into the community. Fragmented service provision
should be overcome with policies that encourage integration throughout the system to enable the
provision of quality, comprehensive and continuous care throughout all stages of life as we move
towards a more dignified end-of-life journey for all Hong Kong citizens.

The current legislative proposal is indeed good step forward in end-of-life care development, but
will not be sufficient. We have attached the executive summary and survey report of our recent
study on EoLC for your perusal. We hope that our forward-looking approach will not only serve
as an affirmation to the Government’s ongoing efforts to honour the end-of-life wishes of Hong
Kong citizens, but will also complement the Government’s dedicated vision.

Should you have any queries, please contact Pamela Tin (Lead Researcher, Healthcare &
Ageing) by email at pamela.tin@ourhkfoundation.org.hk or Queenie Li (Assistant Researcher,
Healthcare & Ageing) at queenie.li@ourhkfoundation.org.hk.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Wong Dr. Pamela Tin Ms. Queenie Li
Deputy Executive Director Lead Researcher Assistant Researcher
Head of Public Policy Institute Healthcare and Ageing Healthcare and Ageing
Our Hong Kong Foundation Our Hong Kong Foundation Our Hong Kong Foundation

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