Full Breakdown
Faulty Lift Installation at Queen Mary Hospital’s New Block
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During the final phase of a redevelopment project at Queen Mary Hospital, the external walls of two elevator shafts were found to be misaligned, creating insufficient clearance for lift operation. The structural “errors,” identified by the Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn, also involved components that had been installed improperly. The defects have prompted concerns about safety and the timely commissioning of the new hospital building.
Background and Context
The new block is part of a broader upgrade of Hong Kong’s public-hospital infrastructure, overseen by the Development Bureau. Earlier media reports highlighted the lift problems before the government confirmed the structural issues. The Architectural Services Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department are the two government bodies normally responsible for inspecting and accepting such construction work.
Official Statements and Planned Actions
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed the issue at a press conference on January 27, 2026, stating that the administration will pursue accountability for any contractors, subcontractors, engineers, professionals, or civil servants involved in the faulty installation. He instructed the Development Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation and to submit a comprehensive report within one month. Lee emphasized that corrective measures must be taken swiftly so the new hospital building can be commissioned.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn confirmed the presence of structural errors in the lift shafts and noted that some lift components were installed “improperly.” She said the government would review whether the Architectural Services Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department need to improve their inspection and acceptance procedures.
Next Steps
The Development Bureau is required to deliver a full incident report to the chief executive within a month of the press conference. After the facts are established, the administration will decide what further actions, including possible sanctions against responsible parties, are warranted. The review of departmental inspection practices is also slated for completion alongside the lift-correction work, aiming to ensure the new hospital block becomes operational without further delay.