Doctors spend less time per consultation

The chairman of the Macau Surgical Association, Chu Men Lei, acknowledged on a TDM radio show that doctors are spending less time on each patient’s consultation sessions compared with previous years, due to an increasing demand on medical services. The doctor said the proper time period for a consultation should be between 15 and 20 minutes, whereas 8 minutes would typically be enough. Chu explained that some doctors would only spend 3 minutes on a consultation, a duration of time which fails to meet the patients’ demands and thus facilitates a general lack of trust in doctors. Additionally, he suggested that the chances of making a mistake would be reduced if the doctors had enough time to make a detailed enquiry into patients’ conditions. Moreover, he indicated that the physical and mental health of medical personnel is an important factor that may affect their relations with patients.

St Augustine’s church reopens today

St. Augustine’s church reopens today following inspections conducted by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC). The church will now be open to the public between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. IC said in a statement that it had conducted inspections of the church’s walls and ceiling, as well as of the altar area. Scaffolding structures remain on the upper choir, as the inspections within that area are still ongoing. IC has reiterated that inspection works do not hamper the public’s use of or visits to the church.

Prison takes MERS precautionary measures

The Macau Prison (EPM) says that it is taking precautionary measures after the government raised its Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) response level from a “standard alert” to a “high alert.” All visitors and prison employees will be required to wear a mask when in contact with inmates. If a visitor removes his or her mask, they will be required to leave the prison. Furthermore, disciplinary action will be taken if employees do not comply with the new rules. EPM said that it had also reinforced disinfection and cleaning works. Preventive measures take effect today.