情繫港怡             
GHKConnect           

The smaller and declining count of new COVID-19 infection cases recorded locally in the recent two weeks is a good sign that the spread of the virus has been contained and the overall situation has begun to stabilise. Internally, we have continued to keep our operations and service smooth and efficient and provide a safe environment for patients and staff.  My appreciation to all of you for working tirelessly to enforce the various measures, act proactively to the changing situation and new risks, and most importantly, delivering safe and quality care to our patients in all circumstances.

As I shared with you in our Staff Forum and Town Hall meeting earlier this month, we have been working hard in three important aspects. First, we remain vigilant to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients and observe social distancing measures, yet flexible in our work arrangements and staff deployment. Second, we do our part to provide support to public hospitals by launching additional special offers to Hospital Authority patients and enhancing our capability in providing different COVID-19 testing.  Third, we strive to rethink and innovate our services in order to best serve our patients in these challenging times. In this respect, we have been actively exploring the provision of teleconsultation services and target to pilot it with suitable patients in the very near future.

Locally and globally, many companies have been adopting human resources strategies to minimise cost impacts of COVID-19 on their business and I note that no-pay leave has been implemented in a few private hospitals in Hong Kong.  As I shared with you at the recent Town Hall meeting, I would like to assure you that we currently have no plans in following similar arrangements. Instead, we prefer to look ahead and request colleagues of all teams to plan ahead their annual leaves so that we will have sufficient manpower to ramp up our various services quickly once there is a rebound of demand, hopefully in the second half of the year.  Meanwhile, our staff recruitment in many areas such as operating theatre and medical wards continues and I call for your help in referring to us suitable friends and ex-colleagues who are interested in joining our growth journey.

The pandemic has not stopped us from our commitment in fostering a more cohesive team and nurturing an appreciative culture.  Our Loyalty Bonus Scheme had come into effect this month, it is complemented by the two recently-launched award schemes, namely the monthly On-the-Spot Award and the quarterly Merit Award, to recognise teams and colleagues who have exhibited outstanding contribution with initiative, creativity and ingenuity.

As we expect the situation to improve further in the coming month, we will strive for the right balance between reverting to “normal” and ensuring we stay safe and protect our staff and patients. We will gradually start lifting some of the restrictions in clinical procedures and internal measures, and resuming certain internal activities such as training.  In any event, please be assured that the safety of our staff and patients will always be our top priority.  It is quite likely that the COVID-19 situation will be with us for quite a while longer, and new outbreaks at some point are possible. So we will need to remain vigilant and expect changes in the future.

Meanwhile, please continue to stay safe and healthy.