Patients of HKCH come from all districts. Due to the complexity of their conditions, many require follow-up with various specialties. Consultant (Paediatrics & Adolescents Medicine) Dr Joanna Tung explained, "For example, a patient with brain tumor may be managed concurrently by Haematology & Oncology, Neurosurgery, Neurology and Endocrinology, because the tumor can cause seizures and affect the pituitary gland and endocrine system. To minimize the need for patients and family members to take leave from school or work frequently and cut down their travel burden, we try our best to schedule their different appointments like doctors' consultation, blood-taking and imaging investigations on the same day."

This seamless follow-up arrangement is by no means a coincidence, but a result of the effort of the SOPC team. Dr Tung elaborated, "We had set this goal when planning for our service before the hospital opened. We started from scratch in designing the clinic timetable. Our experienced colleagues have consolidated a list of respective specialties related to different diseases, and then arranged their clinic sessions in the same timeslot with adjacent consultation rooms. This offers convenience to patients, and facilitates communication among doctors. For instance, when a doctor plans to start a new treatment, he or she can discuss with another specialist right next door to see whether it is appropriate for the patient." She said that counterparts from other healthcare institutions who come to visit are often impressed by this, knowing how challenging the co-ordination could be. "All departments understand what our patients need. We are grateful to everyone for adjusting their schedule to achieve this common goal."

Department Operations Manager (Paediatrics), Tse Miu-ling, added, "All staff responsible for scheduling appointments have to undergo training to familiarize themselves with the clinic timetable and interrelationship among different specialties. Additionally, if intravenous catheter has to be inserted for a radiology exam, we would arrange to take blood in parallel, so that the child doesn't need to suffer from repeated needle pricks. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to various departments for their contributions."

An eventful follow-up

▲ An endocrinologist examining Aiden to assess his growth and development.

The most recent hospital visit of Aiden, a primary one student, demonstrates the benefits of one-stop service for patients who require regular follow-up with different teams. The SOPC staff had meticulously booked four appointments in one single afternoon for him: doctor consultation at the nephrology clinic and endocrinology clinic, dietitian consultation at the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre, and ultrasound scan at the Department of Radiology.

Said Aiden's dad, "Follow-ups with different specialties occur at different intervals. For instance, nephrology consultations are held every three to four weeks, endocrinology consultations are held every three to four months, while dietitian consultations are arranged when necessary. In the past, a separate appointment had to be made for each of them. The hospital now streamlines all processes so that we can usually complete everything within half a day. This arrangement is far more convenient and allows better balancing of my son's studies and daily life."

In addition to the children-centred environment and facilities, he appreciated the attentive care of the clinical staff, and the many activities for kids to do while waiting. "Aiden can pickup a book at the reading corner, watch movies with other patients, or go for a walk in the nearby park. This not only kills time but also helps him relax." He also complemented the pharmacists for their thorough explanations, "Sometimes only half a tablet is required, they would proactively provide a pill-splitter and give us instructions. This is very thoughtful."