TMH transformation: The path to leading hospital and beyond

Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) has witnessed immense social and demographic changes since it opened in what was then a quiet corner of Hong Kong’s northwestern New Territories three decades ago. In those days, along with rapid population growth, it had been at the centre of some exceptional incidents including a detention centre riot and a triad gang turf war. Dr Liu Shao-haei, the former Commissioning Team member cum Medical Superintendent of TMH and Dr Cheng Man-yung, the first Hospital Chief Executive of TMH, reflect on the hospital’s extraordinary early years.

Tuen Mun was among the first wave of new towns created by the government in the 1960s to accommodate the city’s booming urban population. In 1979, work planning began on an acute general hospital with 1,600 beds to serve the northwest regions of the New Territories. Remarkably, it was the biggest hospital project under construction in the world at that time.

The hospital admitted its first batch of inpatients on 8 March 1990. The Day Procedure Unit was opened in November of the same year, and the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department commenced its 24-hour service in January 1992.

Dr Liu Shao-haei vividly remembers the Lunar New Year’s Eve on 3 February 1992. That night, a riot broke out in the Shek Kong Detention Centre, during which 24 people died and more than 100 others were injured. Over 100 people were sent to TMH for treatment. “Hospitals rarely made emergency contingency plans in those days,” Dr Liu recalls. “When I saw the news at home, I immediately deployed medical staff to A&E Department, and arranged manpower for internal and external communications.”

The incident made TMH management realise the significance for contingency plans and measures. Today, the hospital is one of two designated Emergency Radiation Treatment Centres in Hong Kong and a key party of contingency planning for incidents at Hong Kong International Airport.

Tuen Mun was a hub for brutal gangland brawls in the 1990s, and the wards of the new hospital were often crowded with gangsters visiting their injured buddies. Dr Cheng Man-yung remembers the bizarre reassurance he was given by one of the gangsters. “A triad member said to me, ‘Doctor, don’t be afraid. Our brothers in Tuen Mun are just lame. Our elites are all in Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok.’ Of course, as medical practitioners, we provide the same care and professional treatment regardless of a patient’s background.”

In its early years, TMH received its share of bad press as patients complained of inefficiencies and problems as the giant hospital settled into its stride. The negative coverage had an impact on staff morale, says Dr Cheng. “Some of our colleagues were reluctant to even admit they were working in such remotely located hospital,” he says. “Fortunately, they never gave up to improve and strive to enhance the service quality, while the hospital was gradually gaining a better reputation and recognition. Colleagues were proud to be a TMH-er.” The two doctors believe, with unstinting devotion of colleagues, TMH has moved forward with vision and won the trust of the community.

‘The Inside Stories of Hong Kong’s Hospitals’ is a new series exploring with you the intriguing stories behind different public hospitals.