A Hospital Authority review committee recommends the formation of a multi-disciplinary team of health and welfare professionals to cater to the medical, nursing, occupational and psychosocial needs of mental-illness patients.

The committee was formed in the wake of the May 8 tragedy in which a knife-wielding man went on a rampage in Kwai Shing East Estate, killing two and injuring three.

It suggested the team comprise doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and medical social workers who will focus on upgrading services for mental-illness patients.

As patients' needs change throughout different stages of illness, particularly during deterioration, the team should continually share information and regularly review patient status to update their treatment and care plan.

The committee proposed further study on the applicability and practicability of community treatment orders in Hong Kong, as they are being adopted in the UK and Australia.

It said consideration should be made on facilitating rapid communication of information at case level on a need-to-know basis in the authority, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Authority, Police and other law-enforcement bodies to enable effective management of the mentally ill, especially at-risk patients.

Members suggested a personalised care programme for patients and education for their families.

Receiving the report today the Food & Health Bureau said it supports the recommendations and will study them in conjunction with the Hospital Authority and other government bureaus and departments. It will consider service improvement measures to boost support services to patients in community settings.

Click here for the report.