Chairman’s Review
In face of ageing population, nations worldwide are capitalising on technology advancement to deliver patient service of better quality. The Hospital Authority (HA) is no exception. Apart from trusted and diligent healthcare professionals and supporting teams, technology has a strategic and vital role to play in the future development of public hospital service in Hong Kong.
HA has been developing innovative and sustainable approaches over the past years with the assistance of technology to meet ever rising demands on public hospital service. Technology-based solutions are instrumental not only in improving communication with patients and the public, but also in enhancing the satisfaction of various stakeholders. Examples include enhanced modules on Clinical Management System, automated quality assurance controls systems, clinical mobile apps, as well as mobile apps for the public on specialist clinic booking, pregnancy information and location directory.
Last year, HA responded to the Report of the Steering Committee on Review of Hospital Authority with full dedication. Over 100 measures were implemented in phases with satisfactory progress. Kwong Wah Hospital, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital were regrouped into the Kowloon Central Cluster in December 2016 to rationalise cross-cluster service arrangement. Not only does the initiative balance population and hospital bed distribution among all clusters, but it also further enhances vertical integration of services to ensure continuity of patient care. To enable HA’s development in the long run, we are developing a refined population-based model to support the development of short, medium and long-term service plans for optimisation of resource allocation. We have also fostered staff training and development by strengthening governance on training and designing structured mechanisms across clusters.
Looking ahead, HA is actively implementing capital projects of different scales to enhance patient services. A series of hospital development projects have commenced as devised in the $200 billion ten-year blueprint for hospital development announced in the Government’s 2016 Policy Address. Apart from service commencement of Tin Shui Wai Hospital in January 2017, the first children hospital in Hong Kong will start service in phases from 2018 to provide tertiary specialty care for complex and rare paediatric cases. In addition, redevelopment of some hospitals established for long years is well underway. They will provide services with a new look very soon.
I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the HA Board, Regional Advisory Committees and Hospital Governing Committees, as well as co-opted members of Functional Committees. They have provided valuable opinions and support to HA along the years. We welcome Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, Mr Daniel Lam Chun, Ms Lisa Lau Man-man, Mr Patrick Nip Tak-kuen and Ms Carol Yuen Siu-wai, for joining the Board last year. Their expertise in various industries would bring fresh ideas to HA. Meanwhile, we thank Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan, Mr Ricky Fung Choi-cheung, Ms Esther Leung Yuet-yin, Ms Winnie Ng and Mr Richard Yuen Ming-fai, who have retired from the Board, for their substantial contribution to HA.
I also wish to take this opportunity to thank members of Legislative Council, District Councils, patient groups, and volunteers for their unfailing support. Last but not least, my sincere gratitude goes to our 74,000 staff members, including frontline healthcare colleagues, and supporting and administrative staff. Notwithstanding various challenges, HA will strive to materialise the vision of helping people stay healthy.
John Leong Chi-yan
Chairman