As some diseases managed in HKCH are very uncommon, certain related investigations and special diet treatments are not covered by the standard hospital fees. The HKCH Charitable Foundation thus set up two sponsorship programmes to ensure patients with financial difficulties receive necessary treatments.

Special diet sponsorship

Patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) cannot break down certain food components like protein, fat and carbohydrates. Toxins accumulation and deficiency of some substances may cause serious physical and mental disabilities. Dr Fung Cheuk-wing, consultant of the Metabolic Medicine team explained, "Dietary treatment is crucial for certain IEM. This involves strict intake control of the food components concerned and taking special formulae to manage the disease and reduce complications like brain damage, while patients would still get sufficient nutrition for normal growth."

This sponsorship programme has been running for over one year with positive outcome. Dietitian Carmen Yeung shared, "A teenager with phenylketonuria has received sponsorship to purchase a new formula that better suits his dietary requirements and age. It also tastes better and is more convenient than his previous formula. He is now more compliant with treatment with marked improvement in his condition."

▲Carmen Yeung reckons the sponsorship could help HKCH meet international standard by introducing special diet as a treatment modality. She also hopes that the programme could be expanded to cover medical foods (e.g. low protein rice) to enhance patients' disease control and growth.

Overseas lab fees sponsorship

Currently, some essential investigations for IEM are not available in the Hospital Authority and even Hong Kong. Dr Fung said, "Diagnostic tests like enzyme analyses are crucial for confirming certain types of IEM and devising treatment plans. Some tests need to be repeated every six to 12 months for monitoring and treatment adjustment. However, they are only available in limited overseas labs and the costs range from $1,000 to over $10,000, not to mention specimen delivery. Some patients can't afford them, which may delay their diagnosis and treatment." This programme is supported by the donation from the Suen Chi Sun Charitable Foundation. Patients can now apply for sponsorship to get these tests done.