Hand in hand towards a smooth succession

Hospital Authority (HA) has been established for 28 years. Chief Executive Dr Leung Pak-yin will be turning a new page in life next July after a successful 11 years at HA. After a global search of candidates, and with thorough deliberation of the Selection Board, Dr Tony Ko, Director of Cluster Services is recommended to be the next Chief Executive of HA on 1 August 2019. The outgoing and designated Chief Executives will work closely together in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

Chairman Professor John Leong Chi-yan says that smooth transition is a testament to the effective succession planning of HA. “There is a detailed plan for the designation of executives in Head Office, clusters, and hospitals on a rotation basis. They are encouraged to work in different positions to gain experience and skills in different disciplines,” he explains.

Prof Leong explains that a Selection Board consisted of HA Chairman, Secretary for Food and Health, and members of HA Executive Committee (except the Chief Executive) was set up for the recruitment of new Chief Executive. After several rounds of global search of candidates and thorough deliberation, the Selection Board reached consensus and recommended Dr Ko to be the next Chief Executive of HA. Dr Ko’s appointment has been endorsed by the HA Board and approved by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Prof Leong extends his appreciation to Dr Leung for his leadership in overcoming difficulties to safeguard the health of Hong Kong citizens. Dr Leung’s effort is highly regarded by the HA Board. He is confident that Dr Ko, with the stalwart support of HA colleagues, will continue to provide high quality public healthcare services for Hong Kong.

Dr Leung and Dr Ko have worked closely together since they first met in HA Head Office in 2008. Dr Leung praises Dr Ko for his outstanding leadership and amiable rapport with colleagues. Dr Leung says with a smile that Dr Ko’s Chinese name Ko Pat-sing expresses his wishes for his successor – ‘Ko’ for great vision and foresight, ‘Pat’ to promote young healthcare workers, and ‘Sing’ to enhance HA’s service quality in the long run. He adds that he will work closely with Dr Ko to ensure a smooth transition.

Dr Ko says he is thankful to HA staff for their professionalism and commitment to delivery of quality patient services. “I will listen to views of frontline staff with an open mind and understand their concerns,” he says. “We will take up new challenges and continue to build trust between patients and doctors.” Dr Ko adds that he will continue to dedicate himself to his current duties while he is prepared to take up his new challenge next August.