any of you might already have heard about lean management. This concept originated in Toyota's manufacturing operations, and it is now widely used in many countries. But did you know it can be applied in healthcare settings too?

In healthcare, "lean" means a patient-focused approach to improving services and optimising quality at minimal cost — the exact goal every healthcare provider wants to achieve. In fact, the HA recently embarked on its own lean journey by forming the WISER Committee. This also aligns with our new VMV, especially the "Healthy People, Happy Staff" part of our vision.

Led by Dr CT Hung, the Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon Central Cluster, and Mr David Rossiter, Head of Human Resources, the Committee has set off on its lean journey in June by launching three-level Corporate Lean Management Training. This introduces the fundamentals of lean healthcare and lean tools that can be used to improve service quality and eliminate waste.

During the pilot phase, the Committee is seeking the support of managers and striving to identify suitable areas for lean projects through the programmes on the first two levels. In 2010-11, it will train 100 lean facilitators from clusters and Head Office, whom will support 16-18 lean projects. The lean facilitators will then act as internal trainers to advocate lean concepts at local level.

It goes without saying that the engagement of our colleagues is an important factor in the success of the HA's lean expedition. The Committee therefore sincerely hopes every one of us will support this quality improvement movement, in order to provide better, faster and cost-effective healthcare services to the community.