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Statistics

2009 Health Manpower Survey

Summary of the Characteristics of Healthcare Personnel Enumerated

I. Type of Healthcare Personnel Covered

1.1  The 2009 HMS covered 16 types of healthcare personnel, which majority of them are not subject to statutory registration but together with other registered healthcare personnel, making up the health services functional constituency under section 20I of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542). The list of healthcare personnel covered in the 2009 HMS was as follows:

  • Audiologist
  • Audiology Technician
  • Chiropodist / Podiatrist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Surgery Assistant
  • Dental Technician / Technologist
  • Dental Therapist
  • Dietitian
  • Dispenser
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Mould Laboratory Technician
  • Orthoptist
  • Prosthetist / Orthotist
  • Scientific Officer (Medical)
  • Speech Therapist

1.2  Similar to the 2005 HMS, the list of institutions in which healthcare personnel were likely to be employed was built up by combining information from various sources. The frame for the 2009 HMS was established as follows:

(i)   Office for Registration of Healthcare Institutions, Department of Health

- lists of private hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics and exempted clinics

(ii)   Pharmaceutical Service, Department of Health

- list of manufacturers of drugs and authorized sellers of poisons

(iii)   Research and Statistics Section, Social Welfare Department (SWD)

- list of welfare institutions subvented by SWD and with healthcare personnel

- list of private elderly homes with healthcare personnel

(iv)   School Administration and Support Branch, Education Bureau (EDB)

- list of special schools subvented by EDB and with healthcare personnel

(v)   Central Register of Establishments Section, Census and Statistics Department (C&SD)

- list of establishments (registered with the Business Registration Office) in relevant industries ( Appendix I )

(vi)   Hong Kong Telephone Directory and Telephone Enquiry

- list of other institutions where healthcare personnel might be employed

1.3  The survey frame established from the above sources was cross-checked with that of the 2005 HMS and through telephone contact with the institutions to identify any inconsistencies.

1.4  As some organisations might exist in more than one source listed above, a computerised frame was established to check and remove duplicated records.

1.5  The 2009 HMS aimed to cover the healthcare personnel practising in Hong Kong. As it was impossible to obtain such a name list, the unit of enumeration was confined to institution. A total of 12 854 institutions in which healthcare personnel were likely to be employed were covered in 2009 HMS. They were classified as below:

II.    Results of Enumeration by Type of Institutions

2.1  As only headquarters of the institutions were covered in the survey, the number of institutions covered in the 2009 HMS was 12 854. If the institution’s headquarters could provide the information for their branches / sub-offices, only one questionnaire was sent to the headquarters. As the counting rule of institutions covered in the 2009 HMS is different from those of previous surveys, the figures on institutions covered in the 2009 HMS are not strictly comparable to those surveys before 2005.

2.2  Of the 18 024 questionnaires sent to the institutions by which healthcare personnel are likely to be employed, 945 (5.2%) institutions were found to have residential address or invalid office telephone numbers, 968 (5.4%) institutions were found to have been demolished / moved / closed and 3 257 (18.1%) institutions were found to be duplicated with other institutions covered.

2.3  Of the remaining 12 854 institutions covered, 12 400 had responded to the survey, giving an overall response rate of 96.5% as shown below:

2.4  Among the 12 400 responding institutions, 15.3% were found to employ healthcare personnel whilst 84.7% did not employ any such healthcare personnel at all (Chart A) .

Chart A : Response Rate of Institutions

Text Version

Of the 12 854 institutions covered, 12 400 had responded to the survey, giving an overall response rate of 96.5%. Among the 12 400 responding institutions, 15.3% were found to employ healthcare personnel* whilst 84.7% did not employ any such healthcare personnel at all. * Healthcare personnel refer to those who held recognised qualifications in their respective fields of practice.

III.    Characteristics of Healthcare Personnel Enumerated

3.1    Audiologists

3.1.1  Audiologists refer to the personnel who hold a Master of Science in Audiology, or equivalent, including those Scientific Officers (Medical) with relevant qualifications working in the audiometric service in the Hospital Authority or the Department of Health.

3.1.2  A total of 62 audiologists (53 full-time and nine part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.1.3  Six audiologists enumerated did not indicate the sex. Of the remaining 56 audiologists enumerated, 25 (44.6%) were male and 31 (55.4%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 81 (Table B) .

3.1.4  Of the 62 audiologists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 34 (54.8%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 17 (27.4%) employed by the Hospital Authority, seven (11.3%) by the Government and four (6.5%) by the subvented sector (Table B) .

3.2    Audiology Technicians

3.2.1  Audiology Technicians refer to the personnel who hold the Certificate of Audiology Technicians’ Training Course and the Certificate of qualifying examinations issued by a recognized institute, or equivalent.

3.2.2  A total of 50 audiology technicians (45 full-time and five part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.2.3  Eight audiology technicians enumerated did not indicate the sex. Of the remaining 42 audiology technicians enumerated, 30 (71.4%) were male and 12 (28.6%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 250 (Table B) .

3.2.4  Of the 50 audiology technicians enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 35 (70.0%) were employed by the private sector, followed by nine (18.0%) employed by the Hospital Authority, three (6.0%) by the Government and the subvented sector respectively (Table B) .

3.3    Chiropodists / Podiatrists

3.3.1  Chiropodists / Podiatrists refer to the healthcare personnel who hold a degree in podiatry, podiatric medicine or podiatric studies or equivalent and is eligible for professional registration of podiatrist (or equivalent) in the country where the qualification was conferred.

3.3.2  A total of 40 chiropodists / podiatrists (28 full-time and 12 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.3.3  Among the 40 chiropodists / podiatrists enumerated, 21 (52.5%) were male and 19 (47.5%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 111 (Table B) .

3.3.4  Of the 40 chiropodists / podiatrists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 20 (50.0%) were employed by the Hospital Authority, followed by 17 (42.5%) employed by the private sector and 3 (7.5%) employed by the subvented sector (Table B) .

3.4    Clinical Psychologists

3.4.1  Clinical Psychologists refer to the healthcare personnel who hold a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, or equivalent.

3.4.2  A total of 403 clinical psychologists (307 full-time and 96 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.4.3  Among the 403 clinical psychologists enumerated, 88 (21.8%) were male and 315 (78.2%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 28 (Table B) .

3.4.4  Of the 403 clinical psychologists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 139 (34.5%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 105 (26.1%) employed by the Government, 92 (22.8%) by the Hospital Authority and 41 (10.2%) by the subvented sector (Table B) .

3.5    Dental Hygienists

3.5.1  Dental Hygienists refer to the healthcare personnel who enrolled with the Dental Council of Hong Kong under the Ancillary Dental Workers (Dental Hygienists) Regulations (Cap. 156B sub. leg. B).

3.5.2  A total of 190 dental hygienists (140 full-time and 50 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.5.3  Among the 190 dental hygienists enumerated, 18 (9.5%) were male and 172 (90.5%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 10 (Table B) .

3.5.4  Of the 190 dental hygienists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 165 (86.8%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 14 (7.4%) employed by the academic sector and 11 (5.8%) by the Government (Table B) .

3.6    Dental Surgery Assistants

3.6.1  Dental Surgery Assistants refer to the healthcare personnel who assisted dentists in the treatment of patients.

3.6.2  A total of 2 847 dental surgery assistants (2 437 full-time and 410 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.6.3  Two dental surgery assistants enumerated did not indicate the sex. Among the remaining 2 845 dental surgery assistants enumerated, 95(3.3%) were male and 2 750(96.7%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 3 (Table B) .

3.6.4  Of the 2 847 dental surgery assistants enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 2 435 (85.5%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 261 (9.2%) employed by the Government and 126 (4.4%) by the academic sector (Table B) .

3.7    Dental Technicians /Technologists

3.7.1  Dental Technicians / Technologists refer to the healthcare personnel who hold a Diploma in Dental Technology issued by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University or the Prince Philip Dental Hospital or equivalent qualification, or has at least 4 years’ experience as a dental mechanic apprentice.

3.7.2  A total of 318 dental technicians / technologists (291 full-time and 27 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.7.3  One dental technician / technologist enumerated did not indicate the sex. Among the remaining 317 dental technicians / technologists enumerated, 245 (77.3%) were male and 72 (22.7%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 340 (Table B) .

3.7.4  Of the 318 dental technicians / technologists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 238 (74.8%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 47 (14.8%) employed by the Government and 31 (9.7%) by the academic sector (Table B) .

3.8    Dental Therapists

3.8.1  Dental Therapists refer to the healthcare personnel who have completed the requisite period of training and passed the Dental Therapist Certificate Examination, or equivalent.

3.8.2  A total of 296 dental therapists (296 full-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.8.3  Among the 296 dental therapists enumerated, 35 (11.8%) were male and 261 (88.2%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 13 (Table B) .

3.8.4  Of the 296 dental therapists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, all of them were employed by the Government (Table B) .

3.9    Dietitians

3.9.1  Dietitians refer to the healthcare personnel who held a Bachelor’s Degree or a post-graduate diploma or Master’s Degree in Dietetics inclusive of an internship, or equivalent.

3.9.2  A total of 312 dietitians (198 full-time and 114 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.9.3  Two dietitians did not indicate the sex. Among the remaining 310 dietitians enumerated, 76 (24.5%) were male and 234 (75.5%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 32 (Table B) .

3.9.4  Of the 312 dietitians enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 207 (66.3%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 74 (23.7%) employed by the Hospital Authority and 14 (4.5%) by the Government ( Table B) .

3.10    Dispensers

3.10.1  Dispensers refer to the healthcare personnel who held a Certificate of Competency from the former Medical and Health Department, a Certificate in Dispensing Studies from the Vocational Training Council or equivalent and in either case has completed a 3-year on-the-job training organized by the former Medical and Health Department, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority or 3 years’ on-the-job training in dispensing in recognized institutions 1 year of which should be post-certificate, or obtained the Higher Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology awarded by the Hong Kong Technical College or the Vocational Training Council, or who has obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from a university or equivalent institution.

3.10.2  A total of 1 961 dispensers (1 818 full-time and 143 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.10.3  Six dispensers did not indicate the sex. Among the remaining 1 955 dispensers enumerated, 792 (40.5%) were male and 1 163 (59.5%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 68 (Table B) .

3.10.4  Of the 1 961 dispensers enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 933 (47.6%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 918 (46.8%) employed by the Hospital Authority and 57 (2.9%) by the Government (Table B) .

3.11    Educational Psychologists

3.11.1  Educational Psychologists refer to the healthcare personnel who held a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Educational or School Psychology (Professional Practice) and a Degree in Psychology, or equivalent.

3.11.2  A total of 153 educational psychologists (96 full-time and 57 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.11.3  Among the 153 educational psychologists enumerated, 39 (25.5%) were male and 114 (74.5%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 34 (Table B) .

3.11.4  Of the 153 educational psychologists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 47 (30.7%) were employed by the subvented sector, followed by 38 (24.8%) employed by the private sector and 36 (23.5%) by the Government (Table B) .

3.12    Mould Laboratory Technicians

3.12.1  Mould Laboratory Technicians refer to the healthcare personnel who has completed a 3-year training and passed the Mould Laboratory Technicians Examination.

3.12.2  A total of 34 full-time mould laboratory technicians were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.12.3  Among the 34 mould laboratory technicians enumerated, 29 (85.3%) were male and five (14.7%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 580 (Table B) .

3.12.4  Of the 34 mould laboratory technicians enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 24 (70.6%) were employed by the Hospital Authority, and the remaining ten (29.4%) employed by the private sector (Table B) .

3.13    Orthoptists

3.13.1  Orthoptists refer to the healthcare personnel who held a diploma or degree in orthoptics, or equivalent and is eligible for registration with the UK Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine or Orthoptic Board of Australia, or equivalent.

3.13.2  A total of 30 orthoptists (26 full-time and four part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.13.3  Among the 30 orthoptists enumerated, 14 (46.7%) were male and 16 (53.3%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 88 (Table B) .

3.13.4  Of the 30 orthoptists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 14 (46.7%) were employed by the private sector, followed by 12 (40.0%) employed in the Hospital Authority and four (13.3%) by the Government (Table B) .

3.14  Prosthetists / Orthotists

3.14.1  Prosthetists / Orthotists refer to the healthcare personnel who held a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, or equivalent.

3.14.2  A total of 129 prosthetists / orthotists (118 full-time and 11 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.14.3  Among the 129 prosthetists / orthotists enumerated, 104 (80.6%) were male and 25 (19.4%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 416 (Table B) .

3.14.4  Of the 129 prosthetists / orthotists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 90 (69.8%) were employed by the Hospital Authority, followed by 33 (25.6%) employed by the private sector and three (2.3%) by the academic sector and the subvented sector (Table B) .

3.15  Scientific Officers (Medical)

3.15.1  Scientific Officers (Medical) refer to the healthcare personnel who have relevant degree and working experience and is employed under such title in the medical and health sector.

3.15.2  A total of 172 Scientific Officers (Medical) (157 full-time and 15 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.15.3  Among the 172 scientific officers (medical) enumerated, 93 (54.1%) were male and 79 (45.9%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 118 (Table B) .

3.15.4  Of the 172 scientific officers (medical) enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 67 (39.0%) were employed by the Government, followed by 44 (25.6%) employed by the Hospital Authority and private sector and 17 (9.9%) by the academic sector (Table B) .

3.16  Speech Therapists

3.16.1  Speech Therapists refer to the healthcare personnel who held a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, or equivalent.

3.16.2  A total of 506 speech therapists (405 full-time and 101 part-time) were employed by the covered institutions as at 31.3.2009 (Table A) .

3.16.3  Ten speech therapists did not indicate the sex. Among the remaining 496 speech therapists enumerated, 45 (9.1%) were male and 451 (90.9%) were female, giving an overall sex ratio (males per 100 females) of 10 (Table B) .

3.16.4  Of the 506 speech therapists enumerated as at 31.3.2009, 214 (42.3%) were employed by the subvented sector, followed by 172 (34.0%) employed by the private sector, 57 (11.3%) by the Hospital Authority and 44 (8.7%) by the academic sector (Table B) .

Table A : Number of Healthcare Personnel Enumerated by Sector as at 31.3.2009

Text Version

Table B : Selected Characteristics of Other Healthcare Personnel Enumerated

Text Version

Department of Health
The Government of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region
Updated on 4 January 2011

04 Jan 2011