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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Over 2 700 volunteers from all public hospitals were invited to attend the Thank the Volunteers event - "Together We Care" which was organised by the Hospital Authority (HA) today (May 19) to express appreciation to 18 000 volunteers who have served in public hospitals over the past 20 years.
The event was officiated by HA Chairman, Mr Anthony Wu; HA Chief Executive, Dr Leung Pak-yin; the Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service, Mr Lee Jark-pui; the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Ms Christine Fang; and the two Senior Honorary Advisors of Thank the Volunteers Day Organising Committee, Dr Lilian Leong and Dr Ko Wing-man.
Addressing at the opening ceremony, Mr Wu said, "caring and people-centred are two key priority of the HA service culture. Volunteers are the most intimate partner of our healthcare professionals. Over the past 20 years, the concept of community participation has been brought into public hospital services through volunteer service. Our patient's services and care are further enhanced with the direct participation and support of volunteers."
Various performances were staged today to express appreciation to the hospital volunteers, including HA Chinese Orchestra, BandOne of Kwong Wah Hospital, magic show, volunteers sharing, and the game sessions with volunteers and artistes.
Volunteer service has been promoted in public hospitals for years. The annual volunteer service hours have reached nearly 500 000. It covers an extensive scope of service, from personal care such as hair cut service, escort to medical consultation, visiting, set up mutual aid group, lobby assistance service, clerical and packaging support, and tuck shop service.
Nowadays, every public hospital has built up its volunteer team. Dedicated members of the community are regularly recruited, while patient and caregiver volunteer teams have also been set up to provide physical, psychological and spiritual support through visiting and sharing.
Ends/Saturday, May 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:13
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