Lift failures at HK's Queen Mary Hospital prompt government probe

Rectification works are underway and expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The newly installed lifts at Queen Mary Hospital’s new Clinical Block have failed to function effectively, prompting the Development Bureau to review the supervision and acceptance work for the project.

The bureau has asked the Architectural Services Department and Electrical & Mechanical Services Department to submit reports on the lift problems. It aims to complete the review and propose follow-up arrangements next month.

The two departments were responsible for supervising the contractor’s work on the project. The review will examine their supervision and acceptance work and whether the supervision mechanism for similar projects can be strengthened.

The bureau said it is “highly concerned” about the lifts and will examine whether there are areas for improvement.

The departments are examining lift components including electronic devices, connections, and shafts, alongside the workmanship involved in their construction and installation, to identify the causes of the failures.

Rectification works are underway, whilst other follow-up works are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The bureau said it had prioritised efforts in recent months to urge the two departments to complete rectification and follow-up works after learning of delays in certain works.