To deliver highly specialized care for Hong Kong Children’s Hospital’s complex and rare cases, the Department of Radiology has developed subspecialty services including fetal imaging, neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and interventional radiology. Each is led by radiologists with dedicated expertise in their respective fields. Together, these subspecialties provide a truly child-centred imaging service—enabling earlier diagnosis, smarter treatment, and better prediction of outcomes for every child.

The Department of Radiology manages highly challenging cases, many involving patients who are very young and ill. In recent years, about 40% of cases are referred from the Neonatal / Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Centre.

Chief of Service Dr Elaine Kan said, "Drawing on international experience and our clinical needs, we have developed sub-specialty teams. Our radiologists have undergone overseas training at renowned children's hospitals to accumulate profound knowledge and experience in their respective fields, allowing them to detect subtle abnormalities with greater precision, optimize the imaging modalities and timing, and even develop innovative diagnostic and treatment solutions."

▲ With specialized expertise, the radiology team safeguards young patients at every stage of their treatment journey. Front row, from left: Dr Milly Chiu, Dr Carol Ng, Chief of Service Dr Elaine Kan, Advanced Practice Nurse Wong Cheuk-man. Back row, from left: Department Manager Lam Tsan-pun, Dr Kevin Fung, Dr Joyce Chan, Dr Chris Wong.

Some of HKCH's radiologists and radiographers have undertaken the following overseas training or assessments:

• European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Congenital Heart Disease (Level 3) Certification
• European Society of Paediatric Radiology: European Diploma in Paediatric Radiology
• Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe: European Board of Interventional Radiology
• University of Toronto, SickKids: Clinical Fellowship in Pediatric Interventional Radiology
• Monash Children's Hospital: Paediatric Imaging Fellowship
• Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Level III Competence in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance for Technologists

Streamlining workflow to expedite tumor diagnosis

HKCH is the only paediatric cancer centre under the Hospital Authority. The Department of Radiology works closely with various specialties to streamline tumor diagnosis workflow for better patient outcomes. Taking malignant liver tumors as an example, an analysis of previous data shows that the mean time from admission to staging imaging is only 0.67 days, while the median time from biopsy request to commencement of chemotherapy has been reduced by 60% to 3.5 days, compared to before HKCH's service commencement.

Dr Kan explained the key to this efficiency, "Some patients present with tumors pressing on critical organs or blood vessels when they arrive, so every second counts. Upon receiving referral, we perform a CT scan to confirm the tumor type and stage as soon as possible. Findings are often discussed in a multi-disciplinary meeting with Haematology & Oncology, Surgery, ICU and Anaesthesiology etc. to decide on the need for biopsy and placing a central venous catheter in the same session. This not only accelerates diagnosis but also spare patients from repeated sedation. Combined with prompt lab results by Pathology, we can all lock in a targeted treatment plan promptly.”

▲ Advanced digital subtraction angiography empowers radiologists to perform biopsies, place central lines, and deliver interventional radiology procedures under image guidance.

At the forefront of patient care

At HKCH, radiologists actively participate in multidisciplinary clinics, including bone clinic and vascular anomaly clinic. "Meeting patients in person, we can gain a first-hand understanding of their conditions and needs, and recommend the most suitable imaging or interventional radiology procedure."

Nurturing paediatric radiology talent for the future

As a Centre for Designated Training in Paediatric Radiology of the Hong Kong College of Radiologists, HKCH brings together an expert team, diverse complex cases, and advanced equipment. All radiologist trainees pursuing paediatric radiology as a sub-specialty must undergo clinical training at HKCH, while oncologic radiology trainees and radiologists training in interventional radiology can also gain paediatric experience here.