The Department of Health will implement phase two of the five-day week scheme in January. Services to be moved into phase two will mainly involve registration or licensing offices for medical professionals and pharmaceutical services.

Some clinics offering services to clients by referral, enrolment or appointment systems will also migrate to five-day week operation.

Services affected include:

* registration services for medical and healthcare professionals as well as pharmaceutical services; registration and licensing services relating to Chinese medicines;

* the Red Ribbon Centre (an AIDS education and resource centre), the Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre, and the AIDS Counselling & Testing Service;

* school dental clinics;

* hospital dental units;

* Sai Ying Pun dermatological clinic; and,

* Chai Wan social hygiene clinic.

Urgent services unaffected

Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided on Saturdays and at the same service level.

Apart from extending opening hours on weekdays, a number of measures will be taken to cater for customers' needs. For details click here.

The following emergency and essential services will not shift to the new work pattern on January 1:

* public health laboratory services provided to hospitals and clinics;

* monitored treatment service for tuberculosis patients;

* methadone clinics;

* medical services provided in correctional institutions;

* Port Health Offices at immigration control points; and,

* Cremation Permit Offices.

For more information visit the department's website, call 2961 8989, fax 2836 0071 or mail enquiries@dh.gov.hk.