The Hospital Authority on Wednesday said more than 1,000 staff will be deployed to help address patients' concerns when fee adjustments come into effect on New Year's Day.

These include an increase in the standard charge for accident and emergency wards from the current HK$180 to HK$400, but it will be free for critical and emergency patients.

Dr Ian Cheung, Coordinator of Public Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform at the Kowloon West Cluster, said patients who need a helping hand can look for workers wearing orange armbands.

They will assist patients with applying for fee waivers, reservations and bill payments, along with other things.

"We have recruited more patient service ambassadors at each cluster on top of those who are dedicated to promoting the HA Go app," Cheung said.

"We have also increased manpower at payment counters. Our volunteering team – as well as back office staff from each department – will also help."

Cheung also said the HA has processed 50,000 fee waiver applications since November, when residents could start applying for the waiver ahead of time.

As for patients who have not submitted advance applications, they will be able to apply on site.

Residents will be reminded of the new fees and charges via the HA Go app and SMS messages.