Architectural Services Denies Forced Resignation Over Queen Mary Hospital Elevator Defects
SingTao · 6 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Architectural Services Department has firmly denied media reports that its former Chief Engineering Planning Manager was forced to resign due to elevator defects at Queen Mary Hospital's new Clinical Block 1, which opened in phases late last year. The department insists the official departed voluntarily in mid-August for personal reasons. Meanwhile, the Development Bureau has launched a full review of supervision and acceptance mechanisms, with remedial works on the faulty elevators targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Key Points
- Queen Mary Hospital's new Clinical Block 1 opened in phases late last year, but multiple elevators have malfunctioned, with reports of tilted elevator shafts
- Chief Engineering Planning Manager Lee Pak-yi resigned in mid-August 2026, three months after submitting her application under the standard mechanism
- Media reports, citing government sources, state that 24 of 28 elevators in the new building are unsuitable for use; the department has not confirmed this figure
- The Architectural Services Department denies Lee was coerced, stating she resigned for personal reasons and left the civil service on August 15
- Development Bureau Secretary Hanna Au has ordered a review of supervision and acceptance mechanisms, expected to complete in October
- Remedial works are projected for completion in Q4 2026, with the position now held by Chief Engineering Planning Director Yeung King-on
- Seven elevator malfunction incidents occurred between July 2025 and January 2026, including one fatal accident in July 2025
Why It Matters
The incident has raised concerns about quality control in major government infrastructure projects, with LegCo member Chan Hoi-yan criticising the delayed public disclosure. As a public hospital serving thousands daily, the elevator defects directly impact patient care and staff operations, while the unfinished review leaves questions about accountability unanswered for months .
The incident has raised concerns about quality control in major government infrastructure projects, with LegCo member Chan Hoi-yan criticising the delayed public disclosure. As a public hospital serving thousands daily, the elevator defects directly impact patient care and staff operations, while the unfinished review leaves questions about accountability unanswered for months .