However, emergency rescue services will not be available for the time being. During an appearance on TDM’s Macau Forum program, Lei revealed that the hospital is actively preparing to take over emergency services, with implementation anticipated by Q4 this year.
The former emergency station of the Conde S. Januário Hospital (located at the University Hospital of Macau University of Science and Technology) has already been relocated to Macau Union Hospital. In the future, the hospital will prioritize handling referrals for specialized medical services for residents in Taipa and Coloane while safeguarding the consultation rights of first-time patients.
Regarding transportation, Lei noted that the hospital is currently accessible by light rail and other means of transit. As service demand increases, the hospital will collaborate with the Transport Bureau and private organizations to explore the possibility of adding shuttle services.
He clarified that emergency services differ from emergency rescue services, emphasizing that the latter will not be readily provided until other hospital services are fully developed.
However, in exceptional circumstances—such as severe weather disrupting traffic between the Macau Peninsula and the outlying islands—the hospital will work with the Fire Services Bureau and medical teams from Conde S. Januário Hospital to provide limited emergency rescue support using existing equipment and specialist resources. This measure aims to ensure that outlying island residents have access to basic medical care in urgent situations.
