randed as a major conference for healthcare professionals in Hong Kong and the rest of the Asia Pacific region, the annual Hospital Authority Convention for 2011 was held from June 7-8, 2011 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's theme was "Collaborative Healthcare" with a focus on developing an integrated and transparent healthcare system to build trust and deliver outstanding service. A total of 3,800 participants was registered in this year's HA Convention, which broke the previous record.

Officiated by Mr Anthony Wu, Chairman of HA; Professor Chen Zhu, Minister of Health, PRC; and Mr Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSAR, the Conference was kicked off with a series of keynote speeches by Dr York Chow, Secretary for Food and Health, Mr Liu Xinmin, Director-General, Department of Policy and Regulation, Ministry of Health, PRC, and Dr Leung Pak-yin, Chief Executive of HA.

In his keynote address, entitled "Collaboration ─ The Prescription for Quality Care", Dr Leung points out that, people are the most crucial ingredient for delivering top-notch service. He recalled, "Over the last seven months, Chairman and I as well as our Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow have been hearing many touching patient-care stories, and we have been hearing what our colleagues do behind the stories. We haven't just heard about them in forums and meetings; we have also experienced them when we have been alongside our colleagues while they go about their daily duties. At the same time, we have learned about their 'sleepless nights'. But, most importantly, we can also sense the passion that burns within their heart. We know how the passion drives the efforts they make and the price they often pay in their lives to do their best for the community."

Apart from healthcare "hardware" and passions, according to Dr Leung, quality care also depends on effective interpersonal and inter-professional relationships. He encouraged healthcare professionals to look beyond the walls of HA hospitals and establish close partnerships with patients and their families, government departments, NGOs and the community as a whole. As he put it, "In a nutshell, it means bringing these individuals, organisations and the entire community together. Everyone in Hong Kong wishes to see healthcare services that constantly improve and fulfil their role in a better and better way. And collaboration is the best way of harnessing and combining all the knowledge and energy that is generated by this heartfelt wish, and turning it into a reality."

Dr Leung mentioned the importance of collaboration between medical specialists and primary care physicians, collaboration with patients and other healthcare service providers around the world. He appreciated private-public partnerships initiatives which give patients more choices about when and by whom they will be treated. All the programmes aim to achieve "win-win-win" outcomes for patients, the public sector and the private sector. In conclusion, Dr Leung emphasized the importance of collaboration: "TEAM means: Together, Everyone Achieves More. Coming together is just the beginning. Staying together is the precondition for progress. Working together makes it possible for us to achieve results."

More than 20 local and international speakers attended the comprehensive two-day programme to share the latest medical insight and expertise. A series of plenary sessions, topical speeches, master classes, forums and symposiums were held under the four primary themes of Pioneering Excellence in Quality Patient Care, Financing Sustainable Healthcare System, Engaging Trustworthy Services and Globalisation of Health Care.

As a renowned global think tank for cutting-edge ideas, technology and medical trends, the Convention provided healthcare professionals and policy makers with inspirational discussions on healthcare in China, green hospitals, patient engagement, staff health and wellness, traditional Chinese medicine and service after major disasters. The latest research findings, best practices and new medical developments were also discussed.

Another Convention highlight was the International Hospital Federation Forum (IHFF), in which medical experts from Brazil, the US, Australia, France, Japan and Taiwan hosted a number of thought-provoking forums to share their experiences overseas, including post-earthquake measures and healthcare system reforms. The Award presentation ceremony for the Best Oral Presentation Awards and Best Poster Display Awards was held on the second day of the Convention. This year, 919 abstracts of Service Priorities and Programmes were received. A total of 57 programmes have been selected for oral presentations. In recognition of their achievement and contribution, the Selection Panel has selected eight projects from each category as the winners.

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