The Hospital Authority has been organising its Eleventh Convention in early 2003 when SARS, an elusive disease by all standards, struck Hong Kong and the whole world. To focus our attention on the combat of the disease, we have decided to postpone the Convention to 8 - 11 May 2004 and to introduce the Hong Kong SARS Forum in the Convention programme.

It is beyond doubt that the spirit of scientific pursuit and the quality of publications on SARS by Hong Kong scientists and clinicians have won world recognition. At the same time, we are still a long way off from fully understanding the behaviour of the virus and how to manage the disease.

The Hong Kong SARS Forum will provide unique opportunities for discussions and reviews of the significant findings on SARS. We can see the great efforts of researchers and clinicians in their contributions towards the knowledge of SARS and its management. Important issues on transmission dynamics, virology and patho-immunology, personal protective equipment and facilities, the role of Chinese medicine, clinical management, contingency and crisis management will be the highlight of the event.

The SARS epidemic also brings into focus the weaknesses in public health care systems and social dynamics. Of particular interest to society will be the community impact of SARS, the impact of the media on the crisis and the cost of SARS.

The Convention theme "Changing for Sustainability" echoes Hong Kong's unprecedented changes in the political, economic and social scene. Some of the challenges we face, such as economic downturn, the ageing population, increasing complexities in managing emerging diseases, escalating costs of new health technologies and procedures, and rising community expectations, are not uncommon compared with problems faced by health care organizations in the developed economies. It is hoped that the Convention will highlight innovative and creative approaches to health care problems during this era of change.

The Convention theme also represents a new direction for the Hospital Authority in the coming years. We have placed great importance into the development of community oriented service models as well as the enhancement of the public-private interface and system sustainability. For improving communication and performance, we are consolidating hospital service networks and rationalising hospital clusters and services. We are also exploring in great length options in leveraging our knowledge asset and expertise.

For enhancement of clinical effectiveness and service delivery system, we are introducing new a Convention programme this year. Clinicians will present significant evidence and systematic evaluation of new improvement initiatives in hospitals and share with us their insight in the "New Programme Evaluation" sessions.

Rebuilding after SARS is a monumental job. To face the challenging times together, I hope that the Convention will offer our local and international partners in health an excellent opportunity to exchange inspiring ideas and to help shape the direction of change for sustainable health care in the years to come.

Dr William Ho, JP
Chief Executive
Hong Kong Hospital Authority
(Chairman, HA Convention Organising Committee)