Mary Hospital's new clinical tower recently faced 24 elevator issues out of 28 reported faulty elevators. As of today, the Development Bureau stated that 17 elevators had completed repairs and seven have passed inspections and are now in use for employees and the public. Additionally, the construction company has provided elevator operators, known as "driver crew," to assist with newly operational elevators. During a site inspection, 11 elevators were seen in operation, some with designated "driver crew" to assist passengers. As for elevators still being repaired, they are secured with steel doors or yellow barriers. The hospital's new clinical tower has been in phased operation since November last year, amid reports of 24 faulty elevators out of 28, including incidents of elevator trapping and sudden drops. The Development Bureau has been working to complete the repairs, and 17 elevators have now been fixed. They expect to finish the remaining elevators in the fourth quarter. Of the repaired elevators, seven have passed inspections and can be used by staff and the public. The construction company has provided dedicated elevator operators to enhance communication with passengers. The Development Bureau initiated an independent investigation into the elevator project at Mary Hospital from September, focusing on identifying any deficiencies in construction, inspection, and supervision processes, as well as exploring potential improvements in monitoring systems. The bureau has submitted the investigation report to the Chief Executive. The report includes additional information requested by the Chief Executive on repair progress and subsequent actions. The bureau will present the investigation results to the Legislative Council's Development Affairs Committee for public disclosure. Chief Executive John Lee earlier indicated that the government would hold parties accountable, including contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and professionals. If public servants are involved, the authorities will also pursue responsibility.
Mary Hospital's Clinical Tower 1 has had 28 elevators, 24 of which have been problematic. Development Bureau officials stated that 17 elevators have now been fixed and seven have been authorized for use by medical staff and the public after passing inspections. To cater to these newly operational elevators, the construction company has hired elevator operators, often referred to as "driver crew," to improve passenger interaction. During a site visit, 11 elevators were functioning, and some featured these "driver crew" in action. Still, other repair projects are secured with steel doors or yellow barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
In an effort to address the ongoing issues with the elevator system at Mary Hospital, the Development Bureau launched an independent investigation in September. The bureau is examining potential shortcomings in the construction, inspection, and supervision of the elevator project, and is also considering improvements to oversight mechanisms for similar projects. The results of this investigation will be shared with the Chief Executive, and the bureau will provide further details on repair advancements and future actions. These updates will be reported to the Legislative Council's Development Affairs Committee for public disclosure.