Hong Kong minister says there is no need to publicize every violation in nursing homes

The government does not need to draw public attention to every violation of nursing home rules, Hong Kong’s social welfare minister has said, arguing that the decision to prosecute should largely depend on the seriousness of the violation.

Labor and Welfare Minister Kris Sang Yuk-han defended the government’s position on Saturday after it emerged that warning letters had been sent to five nursing homes for people with disabilities over the past year over concerns they were not meeting health care standards. preventing abuse of residents. .

One of the sites was Hong Chi Pinehill Hostel Kwong Fuk Comprehensive Vocational Training Centre, which received the letter in August.

A staff member was charged with raping a female resident at the facility and sexually assaulting a man at the facility that same month, but the case only came to light on Wednesday when the operator, Hong Chi Association and the Department of Social Welfare issued separate statements.

Sun told media on Saturday that the government made the announcement because of the seriousness of the violation and the public attention it has attracted.

“We believe that not all cases should be fully disclosed to the public, as was done in the case of the Hong Chi Association,” he said. “Some violations are more technical and partial in nature, and it is appropriate for us to deal with them in accordance with procedures.”