he afternoon of 26 June could be described as a very "ceremonial" time at HAHO, because we held three consecutive events to recognise and present awards to three groups of our colleagues who have made exemplary contributions. There was a warm and happy atmosphere at the events, at which the recipients were joined by their families and guests.

The first to be honoured were the recipients of the Outstanding Staff and Teams Award 2009 and the HA Sichuan Team Special Commendation Award. We were delighted to welcome Professor Huang Jiefu, Vice-Minister of Health of the People's Republic of China, as our officiating guest to present these awards to the six outstanding staff members and five outstanding teams, as well as the HA Sichuan Team. In his speech, Professor Huang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to our colleagues who travelled to Sichuan after the devastating earthquake, saying he was deeply impressed by the medical assistance they gave to its victims. "No matter how dreadful this natural disaster was, you all showed a benevolent spirit and a willingness to give us your helping hands," he noted.

Our Chairman, Mr Anthony Wu, also voiced his heartfelt gratefulness to our colleagues for their readiness to volunteer to provide medical support in Sichuan. In fact, nearly 1,000 had expressed their willingness to rush off and serve those in need. The dozens of our colleagues who did eventually join the HA's Sichuan Team selflessly worked in the mainland hospital for shifts of more than 10 hours at a time. "Thank you all very much!" declared Mr Wu.

In his speech, our Chief Executive, Mr Shane Solomon, also praised our outstanding staff and teams as role models for the entire HA family.

After the screening of videos showing our outstanding staff and teams and the HA Sichuan Team, the colleagues concerned were invited onto the stage to receive their awards. A joyful and appreciative atmosphere prevailed during the ceremony.

	Members of the HA Sichuan Team pose for a group photo on the stage.

	The 40-year Long Service Award recipients

More than 310 of our colleagues were awarded Long Service Awards this year, including 19 who have worked in the public healthcare sector for 40 years. Their commitment and dedication to serving the HA and the people of Hong Kong were highly commended during the ceremony.

Dr Chan Chi-kuen, Deputy Hospital Chief Executive (Clinical Services) at Queen Mary Hospital, described how honoured he felt at being able to develop his career as a medical professional over the past 30 years. He also stressed that, while no one can save every patient's life or resolve every problem, the most important thing is always "to care for others".

Mr Simon Lee Yip-shing, the Department Operations Manager (Neurosurgery Department) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, told the audience that he had learned a great deal during his 40 years of clinical work, which spanned the establishment of the HA and the SARS epidemic. He admitted that he once considered changing his career while he was caring for leprosy patients at Lai Chi Kok Hospital. "Yet I found out that a loss may turn out to be a gain, because at that time I reaped the richest harvest in my life – I got to meet my future wife, who was working there as a nurse." Mr Lee also expressed his appreciation to all his colleagues over the past four decades, as well as the ones he is working with today.