Overview

Foreword

Mrs Ann Kung, Chairman of Hospital Governing Committee

It is with great joy that I write to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Hong Kong Children's Hospital. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to first express our deep gratitude to the Hong Kong Government and the Hospital Authority for their leadership and belief in the mission of establishing the HKCH.

From the moment we opened our door in 2018, we have strived to become a beacon of hope and healing for children facing complex health challenges. By working with all hospitals in the paediatric service network, we have built a centre of excellence that focuses on providing multidisciplinary care, research, and training. We have therefore become a symbol of unwavering dedication, thanks to the strengths of HKCH's exceptional team, the collaborative efforts from colleagues of the Hospital Authority, the contribution of the medical communities, the generosity of our donors, and the support from the Hospital Governing Committee under the chairmanship of Mr John Lee.

HKCH has become a place where heartwarming stories happen every day. It is a testament to the expertise and commitment of HKCH's professionals and support teams who tirelessly work to provide compassionate care to the children and their families round the clock. We have achieved such results not only with what is available, but also going the extra miles to explore all possibilities.

While there may not yet be an answer to all cases, HKCH remains committed to achieving excellence in clinical services, and to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in paediatric medicine. We will continue to make a difference for our young patients and their families, and we will continue to learn, care, and smile.

Mr John Lee, Former Chairman of Hospital Governing Committee (April 2018 - March 2024)

The Hong Kong Children's Hospital has been designated as a centre of excellence since its founding. I am truly honoured to have served as the first Hospital Governing Committee Chairman. Throughout the past few years, the hospital has overcome many challenges, which led to its development today. It is now a designated centre for training paediatric specialties, and recognised as one of the best children's hospitals in the region to treat complex diseases.

HKCH would not have been able to achieve its current status without the strong support of the government and the Hospital Authority, and most importantly, the commitment and hard work of its staff. Collaboration with universities also impacts greatly on its research and clinical development.

Looking ahead, HKCH is well positioned to take on the role of a "super connector" for complex paediatric disease management and research. I expect HKCH will expand its collaborations internationally and with Mainland institutions. These include cross-boundary consultations, joint research, training, education, staff exchanges and conferences. On the domestic front, I believe further collaborations with the universities and consolidation of training will prepare HKCH to becoming a formal teaching hospital in the near future.

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all HKCH staff for their never-ending support and to those retired who worked tirelessly during the commissioning phase. I had the privilege of working with you over the past six years. I trust that together we have contributed to the betterment of Hong Kong's public healthcare, in one way or another.

Mrs Ann Kung has succeeded me as the new chairman. I call upon your support to her in HKCH's continuous quest for excellence. I wish HKCH, its management and staff every success in their future endeavours. Please accept my sincere "thank you" once again.

Dr Lee Tsz-leung, Hospital Chief Executive

In 2016, I was appointed the first Hospital Chief Executive of HKCH. I have also been serving as the Co-chairman of the Coordinating Committee in Paediatrics of the Hospital Authority. Besides infrastructure, the commissioning team back then was given the mission of working out an innovative hub-and-spoke service model according to the policy direction of the government and Hospital Authority. As a paediatrician, I was humbled that I could contribute my clinical and administrative experience to lead this unprecedented project.

HKCH commenced service in December 2018. Within this short period (which for the most part was heavily impacted by the pandemic), we have overcome hurdle after hurdle, and broken many new grounds. We have accomplished the task of providing a full spectrum of tertiary services, covering not only paediatric subspecialties, but also surgical disciplines, together with the professional support from radiology, pathology, anaesthesiology, allied health and pharmacy, all with a paediatric focus. I can confidently say that our current service could benchmark with international standards.

As the referral centre for uncommon disorders, HKCH contributes significantly to the Hospital Authority's prenatal testing and newborn screening programmes, and our Department of Clinical Genetics provides assessment, diagnostics and genetic counselling for patients and families across the territory.

Having achieved these important milestones, I am most grateful to all those who have supported HKCH's development all these years, and colleagues who wholeheartedly practise our culture, "learning, caring and smiling", in their daily work.

There are many exciting opportunities ahead. We will set up a breastmilk bank and expand the uncommon disorders database. HKCH also strives to play the role of a "paediatrics super connector" to network with international and national institutions for clinical, research and training advancement. With time, these connections would help us gain the recognition as a centre of excellence.

Hospital Governing Committee (in alphabetical order of last names)

Current members

Chairman

Ex-officio members

Members

Former members

Organisation Chart

Hospital Authority
Kowloon Central Cluster

Dr Eric Cheung, Cluster Chief Executive

Hong Kong Children's Hospital

Dr Lee Tsz-leung, MH, Hospital Chief Executive

Scope of Clinical Services

Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Surgical Services
Clinical Genetics
Anaesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
Pathology
Radiology
Pharmacy
Allied Health

Major Statistics

Clinical Services
Manpower*

Total: 1,682

Note: on full-time equivalent (FTE) basis including all full-time and part-time staff in HA's workforce i.e. permanent, contract and temporary

*Snapshot on 31 December 2023

#Accumulated figures from service commencement to 31 December 2023

Milestones

2007

Government announced in Policy Address to set up a centre of excellence in paediatrics (CEP)

2011

Report on Review of Paediatric Services in Hospital Authority published with recommendations to reorganise public paediatric services to prepare for CEP establishment

2013

Legislative Council Finance Committee approved $13 billion project to establish the CEP

2014

The hospital officially named as Hong Kong Children's Hospital at the ground-breaking ceremony

2016

Dr Lee Tsz-leung assumed position as the first Hospital Chief Executive

2017

Construction works completed

2018.2

Hospital complex handover ceremony
Government published notice in Gazette to add HKCH to the list of prescribed HA hospitals

2018.4

Hospital Governing Committee established

2018.12

Specialist Outpatient Clinic commenced service

2019.3

Inpatient service commenced

2019.6

HKCH Opening Ceremony

2019.8

Partner Appreciation & Planting Day

2019.11

HKCH Charitable Foundation established

2020

Fight against COVID-19 pandemic began

2021.11

Began to recruit subjects for Hong Kong Genome Project

2022.2

Children Community Vaccination Centre opened

2022.12

Performed heart transplant on the youngest recipient ever, involving Hong Kong's first cross-boundary organ donation

2023.7

Took up the Clinical Genetic Service under the Department of Health
Performed Hong Kong's first ABO incompatible kidney transplant in children

2023.11

Performed the first gene therapy in Hong Kong

More exciting development to come

Our Culture

Learning

Never stop acquiring new knowledge and skills. Learn the best clinical practices from international counterparts. Strive for continuous improvement to attain excellence.

Caring

Show your empathy and compassion to provide holistic care to patients. Treat them as you would to your own family to build a harmonious relationship and achieve the best therapeutic outcome.

Smiling

Your smiles from the heart can create a positive atmosphere and influence colleagues and patients around you.

The Beginning of a Dream

A Long Journey of Dream Weaving

For fifty years, it had been the dream of paediatricians, patients and families to have a designated children's hospital in Hong Kong. With the relentless effort of many visionaries, advocates and stakeholders, the dream finally came to fruition.

In 2007, the government announced in the Policy Address its intention to set up a centre of excellence in paediatrics (CEP) to raise professional standards and patient care through cross-fertilisation of expertise, enhanced research and training. A government steering committee comprising of officials, healthcare professionals, academics, as well as NGO and patient group representatives was then formed to examine its service scope, operational model and infrastructure. A building site was later identified in the Kai Tak Development Area. The proposed CEP would concentrate low-volume, high-complexity conditions with purpose-built, age-appropriate facilities that cater for the needs of paediatric patients and families.

To prepare for the establishment of the CEP, the Hospital Authority conducted a comprehensive review on its paediatric services. It involved extensive consultation with healthcare professionals across all related hospitals and disciplines, and the formation of 18 specialty / subspecialty groups. There were in-depth deliberations on the current service gaps, future service models, roles delineation, and development aspirations. It also looked into international experience and conducted service demand projection.

The report was published in 2011. With the consensus reached, it recommended to reorganise the paediatric service network by adopting a hub-and-spoke model. The CEP would serve as the tertiary referral centre for complex cases, while other hospitals with paediatric department would provide emergency, secondary (including stepdown), and community paediatric care. The CEP should also partner with universities and the industry in research and training.

In June 2013, funding support was passed by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for the $13 billion project to establish the CEP.

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Marching towards the Common Goal

Once the plan to build the new hospital was confirmed, preparatory work was in full swing. As the project involved large-scale construction, as well as a massive number of revolutionary ideas and stakeholders, the complexity was unprecedented.

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Paediatric network reconfiguration

A commissioning team was set up under the HA Strategy & Planning Division. One of the most challenging missions was to reorganise the paediatric service network. More than 20 clinical work groups for respective paediatric subspecialties and services were formed to deliberate the ideal service models, patient referral mechanism, translocation of existing services, manpower and patients to the new hospital, and align clinical guidelines.

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Manpower planning

To ensure there would be adequate capable staff, it was planned to transfer respective clinical teams from regional hospitals, and advance recruitment was conducted. Staff went through local and overseas training to accumulate experience. As it would be the first time for staff from many hospitals and two universities to work under the same roof, there were extra difficulties to be ironed out.

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Actualising the grand plans

At the same time, countless people spent painstaking effort to refine the physical designs, monitor works progress, procure equipment and furniture, test systems and formulate workflows with end users' needs in mind.

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Soliciting support

Stakeholder communication and promulgation are keys to build trust. Targeting the government, healthcare sector, patient groups, NGOs, Legislative Council, District Councils, media, staff and public, numerous briefings, visits, focus groups etc. were arranged to introduce the hospital, collect feedback and answer queries.

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It's happening

As the opening date was approaching, final preparations became more and more intense to ensure service quality, patient safety and smoothness in operation.

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We Are Open

After years of planning, HKCH finally commenced service on 18 December 2018, beginning with the Specialist Outpatient Clinic. Nephrology, Haematology & Oncology, Metabolic Medicine, Pathology, Radiology and Pharmacy started operation in parallel.

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Inpatient Service Commenced

Inpatient service commenced on 27 March 2019. The Haematology & Oncology Ward and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit began operation that day. Wards of other specialties were opened by phases later on.

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Grand Opening Marked New Page in Paediatric Service

The hospital opening ceremony was held on 21 June 2019. Over 300 guests attended to witness the important milestone in public paediatric service.

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Let the Kids Dress Well

To tie in with the commencement of inpatient service, the "Dress Well" project was launched with the donation and creative input of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. A line of unique patient outfits combining visual appeal, comfort and functionality were produced to meet children's specific needs. The hidden Disney characters also give a homey feel and help uplift the healing experience.

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Pursuit of Excellence

Hub of the Paediatric Service Network

Under the new hub-and-spoke model, HKCH serves as the tertiary referral centre for complex, serious and uncommon paediatric cases requiring multidisciplinary management; while regional hospitals provide secondary, acute, emergency and community paediatric care. All these hospitals work together as a coordinated and coherent paediatric service network.

Since the opening of HKCH, related clinical services have gradually moved in from other hospitals. Concentrating caseload, expertise and advanced equipment at HKCH helps enhance the overall service standard by accumulating clinical experience, fostering sub-specialty development and aligning treatment protocols.

The hub-and-spoke model has been put into practice over the past few years. Various specialties have already defined clear patient referral criteria for different conditions, so paediatric patients in Hong Kong can receive appropriate treatment in the appropriate hospitals.

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Granting a Second Life - the Paediatric Transplant Centre of Hong Kong

HKCH is now the only centre in Hong Kong to perform haematopoietic stem cell transplant, kidney transplant and heart transplant for the paediatric population.

Both autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplants are performed at HKCH. Haploidentical transplant has also been introduced while complications are effectively managed to increase the donor pool and success rate to benefit more patients.

As for kidney transplant, the one-year graft survival rate from cadaveric and living donors is 100%. In 2023, we achieved a breakthrough by performing the first ABO incompatible kidney transplant in children in Hong Kong.

In 2022, HKCH performed the first cross-boundary organ donation case in Hong Kong. The donor's heart was transplanted into a 4-month old baby which saved her precious life.

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Sole ECMO and Cardiac Catheterization Centre for Children

HKCH is the referral centre for children with congenital and acquired heart diseases in Hong Kong. With top equipment and expertise, it is the only HA hospital that provides paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), diagnostic catheterization and intervention services.

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Complex Surgeries in Skilled Hands

HKCH is one of the three paediatric surgery centres in HA. While the territory's most complex and major operations are chiefly performed in the HKCH centre, its sub-specialties (i.e. urology, cleft surgery, surgical oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, thoracic surgery, and vascular anomalies) also consists of paediatric surgeons from the other two centres, gathering advanced expertise and experience under one roof.

HKCH is also the main neonatal surgery centre in Hong Kong, performing over 80% of the neonatal operations in all public hospitals in 2023. At the same time, quality surgical services are provided by Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, and Neurosurgery.

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Critical Care Transport Races against Time

Under the hub-and-spoke model of the paediatric service network, some critically ill patients need to be transferred from the ICU of different regional hospitals to HKCH for multidisciplinary care. HKCH therefore set up the first designated critical care transport (CCT) team which is made up of specially trained doctors and nurses to provide a safe and efficient transfer service to save lives.

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Era of Genetics and Genomics

The HKCH plays a key role in the development of genetics and genomic medicine in Hong Kong. As the territory-wide referral centre for uncommon genetic disorders, we shoulder the task to enhance the treatment, research, talent pool development and knowledge of these diseases.

Our Department of Clinical Genetics is the first such unit in HA. It consists of specialists in Genetics and Genomics (Paediatrics), nurses, genetic counsellors and bioinformaticians. Patients and their families are offered one-stop care including assessment, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and prevention.

In the war against uncommon diseases, the Department of Pathology is armed with an arsenal of advanced technologies to provide a wide spectrum of tests for precise diagnosis, prognostication and monitoring, enabling clinicians to formulate treatment plans.

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Gene Therapy Makes the Impossible Possible

In November 2023, HKCH administered the first gene therapy in Hong Kong history to a 10-month-old boy with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

SMA patients are unable to produce enough functioning proteins due to genetic defects, resulting in progressive loss of movement, breathing and swallowing abilities. This one-time gene therapy brings new hope to SMA children by improving their survival rate, and freeing them from lifelong medications, wheelchair and ventilator. HKCH was well prepared for this milestone case. A multidisciplinary team of more than 30 professionals had received training to make sure all hardware and workflows meet the required standards.

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CAR-T Cell Therapy Opens New Door

HKCH is one of the centres in HA that provide chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy. Designated teams and related apheresis, cryopreservation and isolation facilities are in place to serve patients with specified refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or lymphoma. T cells harvested from a patient are sent abroad for genetic modification. They are then transported back to HKCH and re-infused into the patient to identify and eliminate the cancer cells.

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Promote Research for Medical Breakthroughs

Promoting research is one of the missions of HKCH. We collaborate closely with universities in conducting basic and translational research on paediatric and genetic diseases and take part in clinical trials, aiming to stimulate innovative clinical practices that can benefit patient care, and discover medical breakthroughs with far-reaching impact.

Besides purpose-built infrastructure including research laboratories, clinical trial centre and data centre, there are dedicated research committees and office to fully support the research activities and development at HKCH.

Designated funding has been granted by the Health & Medical Research Fund for HKCH to conduct commissioned paediatric research projects. To nurture the next generation of medical scientists, we also set up The D. H. Chen Foundation Clinical Research Fellowship Program with the generous donation from the Foundation.

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Nurturing Paediatric Professionals

HKCH plays an important role of nurturing paediatric healthcare professionals during different stages of their career to raise the overall service standard.

We receive designated government funding to arrange local and overseas training for healthcare professionals, as well as commissioned training by experts in respective fields. HKCH is the teaching site for medical students of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Simulation Training Centre was also set up to run practical training courses for all paediatric-related healthcare professionals in Hong Kong.

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A Patient-centred and Family-friendly Hospital

The HKCH is committed to create a non-institutional home-like environment with friendly ambience to relieve the stress of child patients and families during their long treatment journey. From the colourful décor, diversified facilities to specially designed medical equipment, we put a great amount of thought to enhance the patient experience for better therapeutic outcomes.

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Safeguarding the Community

Non-invasive Prenatal Testing Gives Expectant Mothers a Peace of Mind

HKCH provides HA's non-invasive prenatal testing service for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome.

For pregnant women whose fetus is considered high risk in the first-tier obstetric screening, their blood samples are sent to HKCH for further testing. The test is 99% accurate, and it also prevents the risk of miscarriage due to invasive examinations.

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Saving Lives with Newborn Screening

HKCH supports the territory-wide newborn screening programme which covers all babies born in public hospitals, so they can receive timely treatment when problem is detected.

The programme now includes 26 inborn errors of metabolism, severe combined immune deficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and congenital hypothyroidism.

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Contributing to Hong Kong Genome Project

The government launched the Hong Kong Genome Project in 2021, covering cases with undiagnosed diseases, hereditary cancers, and those related to precision health.

It aims to benefit patients with more precise diagnoses and personalised treatment. At the same time, the data collected will be used to build a genome database of the local population to facilitate the clinical application of genomic medicine and scientific research. The HKCH is one of the partnering centres of the project to recruit suitable patients for receiving whole genome sequencing on a voluntary basis, and offer pre- and post-test counselling and clinical referral.

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Building the Uncommon Disorders Database

HKCH is the referral centre for uncommon disorders. With the directive of the Policy Address, we have developed a database for individual uncommon disorders in phases to facilitate healthcare service planning and provide reference for diagnosis and treatment.

It makes use of big data and artificial intelligence with input from healthcare professionals in verification and analysis, and lists out the total patient number, age group, gender, and alive / death status of each disease within HA. More than 30 diseases are now covered in the database, and it will continue to expand with reference to the national catalogue of rare diseases.

Coverage of uncommon disorders database

Combating the Epidemic with All Our Might

In midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, everyone in the hospital worked tirelessly to fight against the fierce virus to protect patients and staff and maintain essential clinical services.

In addition to taking care of infected HKCH patients and treating critical children from different districts, we set up a government designated Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) to vaccinate all eligible children in Hong Kong, helping to contain the epidemic and safeguard children from serious risks. HKCH also sent staff to serve in the Hong Kong Infection Control Centre and the Community Treatment Facility at AsiaWorld-Expo. To ease the burden of the public healthcare system, we shared the workload of other hospitals such as taking their other patient cases and supporting their nucleic acid testing and radiology services.

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A Place Full of Joy

Joyous Gatherings Spread Love and Care

From festive celebrations to every-day surprises, many activities are prepared for patients and their families to bring them happiness and blessings.

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A Happy Workplace

Different staff engagement activities are organised to foster communication, teamwork and sense of belonging. They also help to relieve stress and promote work-life balance.

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Five Grateful Years and Counting

On the occasion of the hospital's 5th anniversary, an array of activities was held to celebrate our proud achievements and thank our dedicated staff.

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