YCH: Deeply rooted in the community
Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) is situated in the busiest city centre of Tsuen Wan. To local residents, it is as natural as passing by a neighbour's doorstep. Residents carrying groceries, students walking together, and couriers pushing carts of goods all bustle through. "YCH is surrounded by local shops and is just a street away from the residential area. To local residents, it doesn't feel like a cold hospital, but one filled with warmth," shares Wong Suk-yee, General Manager (Nursing) at YCH.
Deducing the source of poisoning through dietary details
In 1994, Wong was transferred to YCH to prepare for the opening of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, and later assisted in extending its service hours from eight hours to 24 hours a day. Looking back, she recalls that the 'poisoned pork incident' in 1998 was her most unforgettable memory. At that time, a family sought medical care due to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and heart palpitations. Having received specialised A&E training, Wong recognised that the symptoms were different from typical gastroenteritis. She persistently questioned the patients about their dietary details and deduced that pig lung soup might be the source of poisoning. She submitted a detailed report to the Department of Health, enabling the authorities to uncover the illegal use of leanness-enhancing agents at pig farms, resolving a public health crisis in a timely manner. In her mind, medical staff must possess a strong sense of mission: "Even though every second counts in the A&E Department, and our contact with patients may be brief, we must always care for our patients closely and recognise changes in patients' condition to provide them with the most suitable treatment."
Mission to serve the public whenever in need
The Out-patient Department was originally located in the old Block C, where space was packed and two doctors had to share one room. Tsang Wing-yee, Department Operations Manager of Out-patient Department & Community Nursing Service shares: "In the 1990s, residents would queue up early in the morning at 6am to 7am for a general out-patient consultation. We distributed nearly 150 tickets every day. The site was crowded, making it easy for waiting residents to grow anxious." Subsequently, YCH introduced a telephone appointment system and one-stop electronic kiosks. With years of trust established with residents and sufficient public education, the team successfully assisted the residents in adapting to the electronic appointment system, significantly shortening waiting times.
When the Out-patient Department relocated to the new block in 2015, the team worked overtime on weekends to ensure a seamless transition of services. Patients jokingly remarked that it felt like magic, as all equipment was transferred to the new location overnight. The new venue was spacious, some patients noted that it was easy to get lost. The team swiftly applied floor wayfinding signage. "As long as the public has a need, we do our utmost to fulfil our mission," says Tsang.
From film processing to digital transformation
"With technological advancements, I have witnessed diagnostic imaging evolve from the era of traditional film processing in darkrooms to the digital age," says Leung Wai-hang, Department Manager of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department. Digitisation not only enhances occupational safety for staff, but also allows radiographers more time to care for patients. "Sometimes, a patient's psychological stress impacts their health more than the disease itself. Resolving a patient's emotional distress is equally important. The hospital's development is inseparable with the needs of the public. Some members of the Board of Directors of YCH are Tsuen Wan residents themselves, so they can directly channel the community's voice into the hospital governance." In 2008, in response to the rising breast cancer cases, YCH swiftly established the Wellness Clinic for Breast Disease through donation support from the former Chairman of the Board of Directors. Advanced digital imaging and diagnostic equipment were therefore introduced to provide patients with one-stop diagnosis and examination services.
In recent years, Leung appeared on the television show Yan Chai Charity Show to introduce the magnetic resonance imaging scanner donated by the former Chairman of the Board of Directors, and hospital's latest radiology services. "Fundraising events bring people together and strengthen our community, fostering closer ties between the hospital and the public." Though times change, YCH remains close to the hearts of the people, continuing to safeguard the health of every resident.
