The head of the Hospital Authority emphasised that its plan to hold senior staff more accountable when medical blunders occur will not demoralise workers.

The HA announced earlier that it will set up a high-level reform committee to review the responsibility of staff of all ranks.

It comes after a review committee, which was set up months ago after a series of incidents, found that the duties of staff are not clearly defined.

HA chairman Henry Fan told reporters on Saturday after a Commercial Radio programme that he believes the move will not dispirit senior staff.

"What we're trying to do is to actually build up a more proper governance system and management structure, which will in fact assist our colleagues in performing better for the well-being of our patients, which is what the HA is about. We want to provide the best service and have the confidence of the people of Hong Kong. So, I don't think it will be demoralising," he said.

"On the contrary, we would do it properly in a sense that we will have consultation before we reach any decision. I think it will, in fact, increase morale."

Under the reform, the HA officially plans to roll out a reward-and-penalty system.

Fan has more ideas that he believes could be beneficial, such as giving staff a warning letter for a minor medical blunder. If they are involved in two or more incidents, then they would not get a pay rise for a year - but he stressed that these are just his personal views and have not been discussed by the committee yet.

"I think this is one way to hold colleagues accountable. Because we cannot say any time you make a mistake, you're suspended. Nor can we say every time you make a mistake, you only get a letter or a warning."

Fan added that the HA is also considering setting up channels for staff to voice their opinions confidentially.