Mainland radiographers joined the Hong Kong team in fighting against epidemic

When the fifth wave of the epidemic overwhelmed Hong Kong’s healthcare system, the Mainland sent a Medical Support Team, including radiographers, to help treat COVID-19 patients.

Jeffrey Lau (above), Radiographer I of Queen Mary Hospital, worked at the Treatment Centre for COVID-19 at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). He recalls that the centre was full of patients, the bed occupancy rate was high, and the daily workload was very intense at that time. Most of the patients were elderly and had reduced mobility. They needed to help them get up, or move machines to their bedsides for X-rays, which increased their workload and affected patients’ treatment. The arrival of the Mainland radiographers greatly eased the strain and improved service efficiency.

Providing relief for the manpower shortage

Six radiographers from the Mainland worked at the centre, most of them were from GD Province and could speak fluent Cantonese. Some have been working in the field for more than 15 years, but they were humble and polite during their time in Hong Kong, Jeffrey says. After a week’s training, they worked independently taking X-rays, shortening the waiting time for doctors to provide prompt and appropriate treatment for patients.

The Mainland radiographers also lent moral support to patients, chatting with them about their condition and encouraging them to fight off the virus. HA is currently recruiting radiographers to Hong Kong to deepen professional exchanges between healthcare workers. Jeffrey applauds the initiative and hopes it could help address the shortage of radiographers in Hong Kong.