Knowledge on clinical advances shared at HA Convention
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Over 90 distinguished Mainland, overseas and local speakers are sharing their knowledge and insights on various health topics of interest with more than 5 300 healthcare and academic professionals at the two-day annual Hospital Authority (HA) Convention 2017 today and tomorrow (May 16 and 17).
The HA Convention 2017 is focusing on the HA's core values, namely "People-centred Care", "Professional Service", "Committed Staff" and "Teamwork". It aims to promote the sharing of knowledge and experience on clinical advances and approaches to modern healthcare service, and facilitate exploration and discussion of contemporary concepts among healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
The HA Convention 2017 was officially opened this morning by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Vice Minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Mr Wang Hesheng; the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man; the HA Chairman, Professor John Leong; and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Leung Pak-yin.
In his welcome address, Professor Leong said that since its establishment in 1990, the HA has served as an essential safety net of public medical services for patients in need, including during times of hardship and challenges. "In prompt response to the 'Report of the Steering Committee on Review of Hospital Authority' released by the Government in July 2015, we formulated a three-year Action Plan, covering the important areas of management structure, resource management, staff management, service management and cost effectiveness, and overall management and control in enhancing the safety and quality of services," Professor Leong said.
Professor Leong said the HA has made good progress on all fronts of the Action Plan, including the regrouping of Kwong Wah Hospital, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital and Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital into the Kowloon Central Cluster to rationalise cross-cluster service arrangements, and a refined and developing population-based resource allocation model to support the development of short, medium and long-term service plans for the optimisation of resource allocation.
Professor Leong expressed gratitude to the Government in allocating $55.3 billion to the HA to cover recurrent expenditure, purchases of major medical equipment and information technology (IT) development projects. This enables the HA to meet rising demands for public healthcare.
"The HA is committed to implementing capital projects of various scales in order to improve patient services, which include the new Tin Shui Wai Hospital, the first children's hospital and reconstruction of Queen Mary Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and United Christian Hospital," he said.
Professor Leong also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all professional and support staff in the HA for their continuous dedication and contributions, making the HA the most efficient healthcare system among 55 countries and economies worldwide.
Delivering his keynote address "Digital Future: Reinventing the Healthcare Journey", Dr Leung stressed that technology has a major role in virtually every aspect of public healthcare services in Hong Kong. The HA is willing to embrace technology-based solutions in striving to deliver quality healthcare services as the needs of the community continue to increase.
"Technology has the potential to provide faster and more convenient access to an array of medical information and services. IT solutions make it easier to detect irregularities at an early stage, reduce errors and enhance safety. Technology can improve efficiency and reduce pressure on services by supporting systems that minimise the duplication of clinical work, streamline pre- and post-consultation procedures, and aid in predictive planning for resource allocation. IT is also unlocking powerful new potential for the development and use of preventive and self-managed models of healthcare."
Dr Leung stressed that even where technological capability existed, the goal was still patient-centred care that was driven by human need and personal choice.
"Our web-based Clinical Management System III and initiatives such as the Inpatient Medication Order Entry System and Filmless Operating Theatres focus on the end-user experience. More recently, we have developed a number of mobile applications that encourage more direct interaction and links with our patients and the public in general.
"Patients are becoming active agents in managing their health rather than being passive recipients of care. Technology can empower patients to take on greater responsibility for their well-being by giving them app-based and online access to an array of information and real-time support that encourages the development of discerning consumers of healthcare services. This reduces pressure on front-line resources by reducing general enquiries and assisting with pre-screening and data collection. It also supports a shift towards preventive medicine and early intervention treatment objectives," Dr Leung said.
"I look ahead to the HA's digital future, I am mindful that while technology offers tremendous potential, it remains just an enabler. In this regard, I am proud to be working with a team of professionals who have the skills, passion and awareness to carefully harness its potential to the benefit of our community," he concluded.
Ends/Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:36
Issued at HKT 16:36
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