The improvement of both the quantum and quality of service has been made possible through a highly-skilled and committed workforce, which has grown by over 40% since 1997 from 68,000 to 96,000 whole-time equivalents, excluding home helps. Approximately two thirds of administrative staff are involved in providing front-line services for patients. I refer, for example, to consultants' secretaries, community welfare officers, out-patient and accident and emergency department personnel, ward clerks, medical records personnel, etc. The remainder are involved in general administrative functions such as finance, personnel, dealing with legislative requirements and payroll.