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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
A tree planting ceremony was held today (June 5) at United Christian Hospital to support World Environment Day. The ceremony was one of the 35th anniversary celebration programmes of United Christian Hospital to commemorate its development over the years and the prospects moving towards future. The event also aimed to promote environmental protection in the community.
Officiating at the ceremony were Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority Mr Shane Solomon, Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council Mr Bunny Chan, Chairman of the Hospital Governing Committee, United Christian Hospital Mr John Li, Director of United Christian Medical Service Mr Li Fook Hing, Kwun Tong District Officer Ms Pauline Wong, and Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon East Cluster Dr C C Luk.
In his opening speech, Mr Li said, "The trees are planted by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, our colleagues, community partners and patients which signify our joining together to make United Christian Hospital grow and develop. This event marks another milestone in the history of United Christian Hospital."
Mr Solomon was looking forward to the coming development of United Christian Hospital. "I am glad to know that the Government has endorsed the major expansion project of United Christian Hospital including an Ambulatory Block and a Pathology Block. I am sure the seed will bloom in the coming 10 years alongside the hospital development, signifying the onset of United Christian Hospital into a new era."
United Christian Hospital has been committed to environmental protection. Numerous green initiatives have been carried out in the hospital, including waste recycling. The hospital was granted the Wastewise Label of Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence for two years. Energy saving measures include installation of water cooled air-conditioning system in the main block of hospital, replacement of energy-saving LED exit light box and installation of energy efficient control at lifts.
"We are dedicated to serve our patients and the community on a clinical aspect but we also endeavour to care and protect our environment as our social responsibility. To counter global warming, today's event demonstrated dedication of Kowloon East Cluster to support low carbon life." Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon East Cluster Dr Luk, pledged.
The officiating guests signed the Low Carbon Life Charter at the ceremony today, which was reflected by a series of carbon reduction measures adopted in the ceremony, such as serving organic vegetarian lunch with reusable utensils, deciding not to print and distribute ceremony programme rundown and encouraging participants to take public transportation to the venue.
Ends/Friday, June 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:32
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