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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (December 17) announced appointment of Dr Luk Che-chung as Cluster Chief Executive (CCE) of Hong Kong West (HKW) Cluster and Hospital Chief Executive of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH).
In accepting the prestigious appointment Dr Luk admitted it is indeed a challenging opportunity to follow Dr Lawrence Lai. Dr Luk said he has confidence in the support of a tremendous team of professionals, ˇ§Building on the solid foundation established by QMH and the University of Hong Kong as well as the comprehensive network formed by the other hospitals in the cluster, I am confident that HKW Cluster will continue to excel in its pursuit of excellence both in medical technology development and patient care. I am proud of joining the team that has made so many contributions to the wellbeing of the people of Hong Kong. My personal aspiration of ensuring patients is treated as our own loved ones is the philosophy shared by the HKWC team.ˇ¨
Dr Luk will take up his new role early next year and his current post as CCE of Kowloon East Cluster will be filled through an open recruitment exercise which will commence immediately.
HA Chairman, Mr Anthony Wu, congratulated Dr Luk on his appointment and wishes him every success in his new role, ˇ§The HA Board and l are confident that Dr Luk will continue to take HKW Cluster and QMH to new heightsˇ¨
In announcing the appointment, HA Chief Executive, Mr Shane Solomon said that the selection board had been through an extensive exercise resulting in appointing Dr Luk as the outstanding candidate. Mr Solomon said, ˇ§I have every confidence in Dr Luk fulfilling this role through his exceptional leadership skills and knowledge of hospital management.ˇ¨
Mr Wu said that the retirement of Dr Lawrence Lai is a great loss to the HA and indeed the community in general. Mr Wu said, ˇ§Dr Lai has dedicated his working life to the betterment of Hong Kong healthcare services in ways too many to mention and we will forever be in his debt for such superb leadershipˇ¨.
Mr Wu added, ˇ§We are very fortunate that Dr Lai has agreed to stay with the HA in an advisory role to support us in a number of different ways albeit on a part time basis.ˇ¨
Commenting on Dr Lai's retirement, HA Chief Executive, Mr Shane Solomon said, ˇ§In my few short years working with Dr Lai, I have learned a lot and deeply appreciate his commitment and expertise. Dr Lai has spent many years mentoring and teaching many fine young leaders to support our future."
Ends/Thursday, December 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:51
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