Diana Chau has been working as a prosthetist-orthotist II in North District Hospital for four months. She previously worked in a related field in the private sector for 10 years. What attracted her to join the HA?

She replies, "In the HA, I have more chances to study different cases, and more opportunities to work with various allied health colleagues and doctors which help enhance my professional proficiency. With assistance from other supporting staff, I no longer need to act as a 'one-man-band'. So I can spare more time for my patients. That is great!"

"I would say that I am 'a daughter of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH)'!" declares Karis Cheng, a medical social worker, to show how much she loves working there.

Karis was an intern in KWH before, and she became a school social worker after she graduated. Yet her desire to become a medical social worker was so overwhelming that she eventually returned to KWH in 2009. As she shares the details of her working life, we still feel her passion like a novice. For example, how she saved a 60-year-old lady who was under intense financial pressure, due to her long-term care for her 102-year-old mother who had suffered a stroke. The lady had become mentally and physically exhausted, and intended to commit suicide. Luckily, Karis and her team immediately noted her needs and provided counselling services and financial assistance in time to save the lady's life.

Some people might think the role of a medical social worker is not so important. But, as Karis says, "We can intervene when our patients most need help, and support their body, mind, and spirit at the bedside. This helps them regain their dignity and live a stable life afterwards. Our work is so meaningful." Karis has also just completed a Master's degree in Law, and she is ready to use her legal knowledge to help other needy patients as well.