Grow through tough times

Leung Chui-ying
Ward Manager (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

Jade cannot glisten without being pondered and one cannot grow without pain.

After graduating as a nurse and the completion of a midwifery programme in the 90s, Leung Chui-ying joined in 1993 as one of the trail blazers for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. In 1996, she participated in the establishment of semi-private wards, which were later used for hospitalising SARS patients when Hong Kong was hard hit by SARS in 2003. Chui-ying therefore led her team to combat the deadly virus. After the SARS outbreak, the semi-private wards were not re-opened so Chui-ying was assigned to support the medical emergency ward.

Her deployment as a nursing officer in medical ward gave rise to many doubts over her capability. “The first three months during my three years at the medical ward were the most challenging to me. However, I have acquired a valuable asset – the gist of people management.” Although days were tough, she remained steadfast and committed to overcome the challenges. “I used to skip lunch for a whole year just to familiarise myself with the patients’ clinical details. I had also once spent my nights to read over the user manual of a new model ventilator. When the doctor questioned how to use it, I was the only person who could operate it properly”. With an eagerness to learn, Chui-ying had proven herself a capable leader and eventually earned the respect from her colleagues.

In 2007, Chui-ying returned to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology to commence the provision of private wards. Till 2020, she combated COVID-19 at the frontline with her team. Looking back, her days at the medical ward was a turning point of her life, where she emerged stronger from the new environment, and became a reliable leader among her colleagues and the pride of her family.