Chim’s bond in nursing field
Chim Chun-king
Department Operations Manager (Community Outreach Services Team), New Territories East Cluster
Chim Chun-king, fondly known as ‘Chim's bond', is always ready to lend a hand, whether to patients or colleagues in need. "Seeing my patients recover brings me great satisfaction," she says with a smile. "I hope to keep advancing the nursing profession."
With 38 years of experience in the field, Chim has witnessed the transformation of community nursing service, prompting her to promote the development of smart nursing. Gone are the days when the role focused mainly on basic nursing care. Today, community nurses work hand-in-hand with departments like medical, surgical, accident and emergency, supporting patients who are discharged early. What once required a hospital visit can now be done at home with smart devices. For example, patients wear cloud-connected continuous glucose monitors or O2 ring for real-time tracking, enabling healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans remotely. Portable ultrasound devices also allow nurses to assess patients with severe fecal impaction, providing timely intervention, sparing them the need for admission.
Chim explains that ‘Chim's bond' comes from her restless personality. Drawing on her experience with telemedicine from the days of SARS, she led a team that started with just two tablets at one elderly home and extended the service to all elderly homes in New Territories East Cluster within six months during COVID-19. The effort prevented community outbreaks and greatly reduced unnecessary hospital stays.
Among countless patients, one stays closest to her heart: A young man suffering from terminal stomach cancer. His intestines were exposed and effluent constantly leaked. His only wish was to have a dinner with his family at home. Community nurses spent several hours carefully managing the fistula as large as a watermelon to ensure he could return home safely. "He told me he could not eat anything," Chim recalls. "I suggested him simply taste the food without swallowing." The patient passed away soon after. "Making a patient's dream come true is truly meaningful." She shares that when you try, there is at least a fifty-percent chance of success. Even a small step can create infinite possibilities. She wishes to pass on experience and caring heart to younger generations.
