he countdown to the 5th East Asian Games (EAG) has begun. Its mascots, Dony and Ami, can be seen all around town. The athletes are on their marks, too. And how about the HA, which will be providing medical support at this much-anticipated event?

To find out more about the preparations the HA Task Force and medical team are making, HASLink spoke to Dr SH Liu, Chief Manager (Infection, Emergency & Contingency), who is the lead of the Task Force.

"We're all set. Now we're just waiting for 5 December," he reported with excitement. Dr Liu happens to be a sports buff himself, yet he has never won any trophies.

In terms of the number and complexity of the tasks we will be responsible for, the EAG is going to be an even greater challenge for the HA than last year's Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events. As we reported in our July/August issue, 130 doctors and nurses have volunteered to join the medical team. The Head Office Infection, Emergency and Contingency Department; and many other colleagues from hospitals and the Head Office will also be involved in supporting the event. Dr Liu expressed his thanks to all of them, and described their responsibilities as follows.

While all the colleagues involved in the EAG will have a unique role to play, they will also work closely together. Dr Liu believes the EAG will be yet another showcase of the HA's team spirit. Meanwhile, to ensure the event's success, the medical team members have undergone numerous training sessions, drills and briefings organised by the Task Force and Government.

During our chat, Dr Liu mentioned more than once how much he appreciates the way the members of this "voluntary militia" are approaching the entire process in a serious spirit, yet enjoying it too. And he told us confidently that the EAG Company will adhere to infection control measures and keep a close watch on the athletes' condition, and that the HA will be as well prepared for a possible flu outbreak this winter as it was in the past.