The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (January 15) invited applications for admission to a two-year full-time Enrolled Nurse (General)/Enrolled Nurse (Psychiatric) Training Programme for the welfare sector which will provide 200 and 30 places respectively.   
      
     A spokesman for the SWD said that to alleviate the shortage of enrolled nurses in the welfare sector and enhance the quality of care services, the SWD has since 2006 organised Enrolled Nurse Training Programmes for the welfare sector and has commissioned the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) to provide the training programmes in four consecutive years since 2017.

     The training programme aims to equip graduates to become competent and caring professional nurses. It is divided into two streams, namely the Enrolled Nurse (General) stream and the Enrolled Nurse (Psychiatric) stream. The former is to be provided through the Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (General Health Care) (programme code: HDNSGF1) organised by OUHK while the latter will be provided through the Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies (Mental Health Care) (programme code: HDNSMF1). The programmes, to commence on September 2, will be conducted in the campus of OUHK in Ho Man Tin and the university will also be responsible for the arrangement of relevant clinical practices.
      
     Applicants must have attained the age of 18 by the time the training programme commences and have attained Level 2 or above in five subjects, including Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and any two other subjects in Categories A and B in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, or completed a Pre-Associate Degree programme, or an equivalent qualification.
       
     The spokesman said, "To encourage youths and front-line staff currently serving in the welfare sector to upgrade their skills, priority will be accorded to applicants who have successfully completed the two-year Diploma Programme under the First-hire-then-train Pilot Scheme or the Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Services of the SWD, or those who are currently working full-time in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or private organisations providing elderly, rehabilitation, family and child care, youth or correctional services. Individuals who aspire to start a career as enrolled nurses in the welfare sector are also welcomed."
      
     The SWD will fully subsidise trainees with tuition fees on the condition that the trainees have successfully completed the training programme and attained the graduation requirements within two years. Trainees will also be required to sign an undertaking to indicate their readiness to be employed as Enrolled Nurse (General) or Enrolled Nurse (Psychiatric) in the welfare sector providing elderly, rehabilitation, family and child care, or correctional services operated by the NGOs or private organisations for a continuous period of no less than two years after satisfactory completion of the training. If in breach of this term, trainees will have to repay the SWD the tuition fees.
      
     Relevant information about the training programme is available on the homepage of OUHK. Applicants must submit their applications for the programme via the Online Admission Application System of OUHK (www.ouhk.edu.hk/FTUG_application). Hyperlinks are also provided on the SWD homepage (www.swd.gov.hk/tc/index/site_whatsnew). Application will close on February 28. For enquiries, people may contact OUHK at 3120 2661 or 3120 2662.

     A property owner was fined $144,600 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last month for persistently failing to comply with a removal order under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap 123) (BO).

     The order involved various unauthorised building works (UBWs) at a three-storey house on Yu Chui Street, Tai Lam, Tuen Mun, the New Territories. The UBWs included:

(a) Illegal site formation works to extend the garden area by about 122 square metres, which was of approximately the same size as the approved garden area; and
(b) Construction of five structures on various floors with a total floor area of about 55 sq m, which was about one quarter of the approved gross floor area.

     As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval from the Buildings Department (BD), contravening the BO, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.

     Since the owner did not comply with the order, he was prosecuted by the BD three times and fined about $120,000 in total upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts. However, as the owner persisted in not complying with the order, the BD instigated prosecution against him for the fourth time. He was convicted and heavily fined on December 21 last year.

     "UBWs may adversely affect the structure and fire safety of a building, leading to serious consequences. Owners should seek professional advice before carrying out any building works in their premises," a spokesman for the BD said today (January 15).

     Pursuant to section 40(1BA) of the BO, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with an order served on him under section 24(1) of the BO, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for one year, as well as a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence has continued.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate of medical wards in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 15) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Kwun Tong last night (January 14) in which a 12-year-old boy died.

     At about 8.03pm last night, a bus driven by a 56-year-old man was travelling along Hip Wo Street towards Kwun Tong. When approaching Tung Yan Street, the bus reportedly knocked down the 12-year-old boy who was crossing the road.

     The boy was trapped under the bus and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injuries, the boy was rushed to United Christian Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.45pm.

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon East is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 2305 7500.