Complete Guide to Hospital Transfer in Hong Kong | Public to Public, Public to Private, Ambulance Arrangements, and Costs Overview

With public hospital beds in short supply, hospital transfer arrangements of patients have become a common necessity, whether transferring from one public hospital to another or to private facilities, each with distinct procedures and cost considerations. Between these options, how should families choose the safest mode of transport? When is a non-emergency ambulance required? This article addresses common questions and practical procedures about hospital transfer service in Hong Kong, helping patients arrange the most suitable medical transport solutions.

Common Reasons and Situations for Public Hospital Transfer

Generally speaking, the transfer of patients is primarily based on four key considerations:

1. To Expedite Treatment Time: Non-urgent surgeries or examinations at public hospitals (such as MRI, CT scans) involve lengthy waiting periods. Families opt to transfer to private hospitals to secure access to critical treatment.

2. Medical Resource Limitations: Certain specialist services, surgical procedures, or rehabilitation facilities are only available at specific hospitals. More complex or rare cases require inter-hospital treatment or specialist care.

3. Step-down Care After Stabilisation: When a patient's condition stabilises, they may be transferred from an acute general hospital to a rehabilitation facility for continued care.

4. Family Convenience: Applications to transfer to a hospital closer to home within the hospital cluster make it more convenient for relatives to visit and attend follow-up appointments.

Why Are More People Choosing to Transfer from Public to Private Hospitals?

Hong Kong's public hospitals have long experienced staff shortages, with specialist outpatient waiting times often exceeding a year. Combined with an ageing population and low fees for government-subsidised services, medical resources are increasingly stretched. To prioritise patients requiring urgent treatment, the Hospital Authority has established triage and referral guidelines and promotes public-private partnership (PPP) programmes, enabling some patients to opt for transfer to private hospitals, expediting treatment, and reducing lengthy waiting times.

Procedures for Transferring from One Public Hospital to Another

In What Situations Are Public-to-Public Hospital Transfers Arranged?

Transferring patients from one hospital to another within the public system is typically based on "clinical need". For instance, when a patient's condition changes and requires transfer to a hospital with specialist facilities, or when the original hospital faces bed shortages, patients may be transferred to other hospitals within the same cluster.

Must the Hospital Authority Always Arrange Transfers?

Most public-to-public hospital transfers are coordinated through the Hospital Authority's internal system. Medical teams make the most appropriate arrangements based on clinical needs, medical facilities, and bed availability, with transfers primarily handled by Fire Services Department ambulances or thehospital’s medical transport team.

Can Families Arrange Transfers Independently?

Generally, public-to-public hospital transfers must be arranged and approved by the Hospital Authority, and families cannot arrange transport independently. Unless the patient’s condition and specific treatment fall under the jurisdiction of a different hospital cluster, , families may attempt to apply through ther attending physician, though approvals are strict and time-consuming. However, in certain non-urgent rehabilitation or follow-up investigations, with hospital consent, families may opt to hire a non-emergency ambulance at their own expense.

Detailed Costs for Public Hospital Referrals to Private Hospitals

Common Self-Funded Items

Holding a "referral letter" from a public hospital does not guarantee subsidised care at a private hospital. Unless enrolled in a specific Hospital Authority public-private partnership (PPP) programme, all costs at private hospitals are fully self-funded after transfer. These include:

• All Private Hospital Medical Costs: Including hospital stay fees, surgical costs, doctor's consultation fees, medications, and diagnostics, all borne by the patient.

• Report and Documentation Fees: Detailed medical reports and laboratory report copies arranged by public hospitals may incur charges, as per hospital guidelines.

• Hospital Transfer Service Transport Costs: Non-emergency ambulance transfer fees are the patient's responsibility, calculated based on travel distance and the level of service required . St. John and the Auxiliary Medical Service also offer limited services.

Cost Risks Families Should Assess Before Transfer

Most private hospitals charge more than public facilities. It's advisable to enquire in advance about daily ward rates, surgical costs, and related service fees at the target private hospital. Before deciding on a hospital transfer, families should also review the patient's medical insurance coverage to alleviate financial burden.

Transport Arrangements for Transferring from Public to Private Hospitals

Is Independent Transport Safe and Feasible?

If the patient is mobile, they may certainly take a taxi or private car. However, if the patient has recently undergone surgery, has wounds or a urinary catheters, or requires bed rest, the confined space of an ordinary taxi can easily lead to wound tearing or infection. This is certainly not a safe option, and professional medical transport should be arranged.

In What Situations Is Ambulance Transfer Required?

If the patient meets any of the following criteria, a professional hospital transfer service that offers a vehicle (ambulance) for transferring patients from one hospital to another is recommended:

• Requires bed rest during transport

• Requires continuous oxygen therapy

• Has intravenous lines (IV drips) or drainage tubes in place

• Has unstable vital signs requiring medical monitoring en route

The Role of Non-Emergency Ambulances in Hospital Transfers

Non-emergency ambulances bridge the gap left by Fire Services Department ambulances, which handle only emergency hospital admissions and public A&E cases, providing "bed-to-bed" professional medical transport between these services and general transport. Whether transferring from public to private facilities or requiring cross-district transfers with medical monitoring or assistance, non-emergency ambulances provide full medical staff accompaniment, ensuring patients reach private hospital wards safely and comfortably and enhancing safety throughout the process.

Ambulance Transfer Procedures and Cost Considerations

• Booking and Quotation: Contact a medical transport company, stating departure and destination points, whether the patient needs to be on a stretcher, medical reports, and if oxygen or special monitoring equipment is required.

• Pricing Model: Charges are based onthe need for accompanying medical personnel  and additional medical equipment, typically starting from a few thousand dollars.

• Special Requirements: Additional charges apply for stair navigation, cross-district transport, or special care needs (such as ICU transfers).

Documents and Information Families Must Prepare Before Public to Private Transfer

To ensure a smooth transfer process, please prepare the following documents:

• Referral Letter: Written by the attending physician at the public hospital, detailing the condition and reason for transfer.

• Discharge Summary: Including recent medication records and examination reports.

• Imaging Reports: Advisable to request copies burned to disc (CD/DVD) or authorise data sharing through eHealth.

• Other Information: Patient's identity card, health care vouchers, insurance policy, recent Hong Kong address, contact telephone number.

• Medications and Medical Aids: All current medications (in original packaging/bags) and any medical aids (e.g., wheelchair, walking stick, ventilator).

Common Transfer Misconceptions and Frequently Asked Questions from Families

H3: Does Transfer Indicate Serious Illness?

Not necessarily. Often, it's because public hospital beds are in short supply, and doctors recommend that patients whose conditions have stabilised transfer to private facilities or nursing homes for recuperation, or families may prefer more flexible visiting hours and  better privacy for the patient.

In What Situations Should Transfer Not Be Delayed?

If doctors assess that transfer will significantly benefit treatment (such as requiring specific surgery or specialist treatment), arrangements should be made promptly to avoid delaying the patient's condition.

Must Transfers Always Be Arranged by the Hospital?

Public-to-public hospital transfers generally require a Hospital Authority arrangement. For public-to-private hospital transfers, families may independently choose transport methods and book private ambulances to private hospitals, though consulting the attending physician beforehand is advisable.

Why Do Doctors Recommend Transferring to Private Hospitals?

Usually, because the treatment at public hospitals is a self-funded item (such as certain targeted drugs or special stents), or to triage non-urgent patients, allowing public resources to concentrate on critical cases.

Does a Referral Guarantee Priority Admission?

A referral letter assists patients with admission procedures and helps doctors quickly understand the condition, but it does not guarantee immediate ward allocation. Patients must still wait according to the private hospital's actual arrangements.

How to Apply for Amber Medical's Hospital Transfer Medical Transport Service?

Amber Medical possesses extensive experience in transferring patients from public to private hospitals. Our ambulances are equipped with standard medical equipment and accompanied by professional medical teams. Whether transferring from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon or even cross-district transfers, we provide the most stable point-to-point service. Contact the Amber Medical team immediately to ensure your loved ones receive the highest-quality medical escort service.