he first graduation ceremony for the Training and Development Programme for Newly Recruited Allied Health Care Professionals was held on 27 January. A total of 81 staff from 10 Allied Health professions were awarded a certificate of completion. Our Chief Executive, Dr P Y Leung, presided over the ceremony and more than 250 guests attended to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Launched in 2007, the three-year programme was especially designed for new AH recruits using input from AH Coordinating Committees and Subcommittees, clinical experts and the Allied Heath Grade Department. The programme provides structured exposure and professional development activities to familiarise the new recruits with the HA environment, refine their clinical practices and prepare them for future challenges in their careers. By the end of 2010, more than 800 recruits enrolled in the programme.

In his address at the Graduation Ceremony, Dr P Y Leung said: "Education and training of health care professionals is very important in HA in order to provide quality care. In the upcoming year, we will have initiatives to further the training support of allied health colleagues by increasing overseas scholarship places, establishing cross hospital attachments or rotation programmes." Training and development will continue in the Institute of Allied Health of Advanced Studies to enhance professional competency and improve the quality of patient care.

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