Queen Mary Hospital’s new clinical building has been operating in phases since November 2025 but has still not fully opened. Clinical services were due to move into the building progressively by the end of that year, but the plan was not completed, with lift problems affecting the building’s full opening.
The building has 28 lifts. Star Headline reported that 24 could not operate effectively, while i-CABLE News reported that 24 had problems requiring prompt follow-up. The two reports use different descriptions of the lifts’ operating condition.
The Architectural Services Department said the remaining four lifts were in an acceptable condition and required only minor rectification works. It also said the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department issued certificates of permission to use the lifts in July 2025, and that reviews of the lift subcontractor’s test reports, together with site inspections and testing, confirmed that the lifts could operate safely.
The Architectural Services Department said it would work with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to require the contractor and subcontractors to complete the outstanding works. These would be followed by rigorous testing and acceptance, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. The Government reserves the right to pursue responsibility for delays.
Michael Tien of Roundtable said public healthcare facilities were under pressure and urged the Architectural Services Department to complete the building and hand it over by October 2026. He also opposed the Hospital Authority using the building in its current condition. Tien said lift operation affected the safety of patients and medical staff, citing the possibility of staff being trapped while rushing to an operation; this was an expressed concern, not a reported accident.
The handover date remains unresolved: Tien is demanding completion by October, while the department’s target covers the broader fourth quarter. The reports did not provide details of the fault affecting each lift, repair progress or the number currently available for use.