Anthony Wu: Unforgettable years at HA

Anthony Wu and Hospital Authority's relationship began in 1997 when he became a Member of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital's Hospital Governing Committee. Appointed HA Chairman in 2004, he has ably steered the HA for nine years and will be passing the helm to a new caption at the end of November.

Wu recalls that he knew by the end of his first day that the position of HA Chairman wasn't going to be an easy one. "I don't know how I've managed all the challenges of the past nine years," he says with a smile.

"My chairmanship began after the SARS outbreak– some of Hong Kong's darkest days. There was increasing public criticism of HA and the government was cutting our budget. Staff morale was very low," he explains.

Understanding that healthcare is a people-centred industry, Wu knew good communication with his colleagues was crucial. "I quickly realised I had to step out of my office and offer support to those on the frontlines. I visited various hospitals to encourage staff and listen to their concerns." He continues to make visits to hospitals and also participates in HA Channel's ‘Pre-80s Meet Post-80s' programme and HA Blog to keep in close communication with staff.

He believes openness is the most effective management strategy, particularly when working to solve difficulties. And he ‘walks the talk' – in 2007 he faced 1,200 protesting doctors to negotiate with union representatives and successfully settle a major pay dispute. "Being booed by my colleagues was tough, but it was ultimately a good experience as it reminded me of the importance of regular and honest communication," he says.

HA serves around 90% of secondary and tertiary medical needs in Hong Kong. While resource allocation a crucial part of providing an effective service for patients, it is little wonder that every hospital in HA is looking to increase its share. This situation has sometimes led to outside accusations of siloism within HA. Wu says, "In any large-scale organisation, various divisions – or, in our case, clusters – fighting for more resources is not necessarily a negative thing. It represents a kind of positive competition and shows each cluster only wants the best for its patients. Of course, I'm not suggesting clusters focus exclusively on their own interests – in finding ways to collaborate across clusters, they can improve their service without necessarily needing to acquire additional resources. This is because everyone at HA has a common goal – to provide the public with the best possible medical care."

Over the years, Wu has worked side-by-side with HA colleagues and experienced many major incidents, including the contaminated infant formula milk scandal, avian and swine flu outbreaks, and the Lamma ferry disaster. "When I see my colleagues' tireless and whole-hearted efforts, I am humbled by their selfless dedication. I've come to realise what is meant when people say that doctors often serve as additional parents for patients."

HA's new Chairman will be Professor John Leong Chi-yan, an internationally renowned orthopedic clinician-scientist who will take up the post for a tenure of two years with effect from 1 December this year.

Wu ends his interview with HASLink by saying that it is the right time for him to step down. "HA needs to be further energised with new thoughts and new leadership. I am certain that my colleagues will warmly welcome Professor Leong and continue to provide high-quality medical services to the citizens of Hong Kong."

Participated in 'Pre-80s Meet Post 80s' live broadcast programme and visited frontline staff at hospitals to enhance internal communication.
"In spending so much time in hospitals, I am more aware of the fragility of life and that very little is certain for any of us. Having this opportunity to help others and contribute to society has brought me the kind of happiness and fulfillment that couldn’t be achieved through my accounting profession - even in closing in the largest of business deals."	"Wu uses his "one finger" typing style to reply emails. He also jokes that one of his biggest fears was receiving a call from HA Chief Executive PY Leung during the mid-night: "there must be a serious incident to deal with if PY is on the line!"
Wu says that the selection of Professor John Leong Chi-yan (left) as the new HA Chairman will see the Authority continue to go from strength to strength.

15 years of dedication

Headed the Finance Committee for five years.	Listening to briefing by colleagues at Hong Kong West Cluster's MICC.
Visited victims of the Sichuan earthquake to look into their medical needs.	Led the launch of HA's New Service Culture to meet the needs of patients today.
Visiting hospitals during Lunar New Year to cheer up frontline colleagues.	Singing along with the HA Chinese Orchestra at its annual concert.
Dancing Gangnam Style with colleagues at HA's annual party.	Running for good health at the HA New Year Run.
Paid tribute to our former colleagues who fell during the battle against the deadly SARS outbreak in 2003.

Top man's top moments

Most memorable
Meeting with more than 1,000 doctors at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in June 2007 to discuss the issue of 'equal pay for equal work'. Despite the tense atmosphere – which included repeated booing and hissing by some attendees – the HA management team managed to reach an agreement with the unions that resolved the issue and avoided the threatened strike.

Most unyielding
Visiting hospitals to offer patients his best wishes and blessings during the Lunar New Year. His mother asked him not to go to any hospitals during the Lunar New Year as it is considered 'unlucky'. However, she was finally won over by his clear desire to bring some festive cheer to patients.

Most tuneful
Expressing his great love and appreciation of the traditional Chinese arts by performing operatic songs such as 'Princess Chang Ping' and 'The Legend of the Purple Hairpin' in the HA Chinese Orchestra's annual concert.

Most regrettable
Failing to fully resolve the challenge of professional manpower shortages, despite having invested significant time and effort in the area of human resources management during his time at HA.

Most devoted
Being HA Chairman is an unpaid position. Having initially assumed it would only occupy a couple of days per week, he quickly found the role was taking up more time than his 'real job' as an accountant. Having made a commitment to HA, he therefore decided to withdraw from his accounting work and give his full attention to his duties as Chairman.

Most blessed
Having the opportunity to work with so many outstanding individuals during his Chairmanship. He is unconcerned about building a lasting legacy as an individual, hoping instead that people in Hong Kong view HA as an outstanding organisation. He considers that the progress made during his tenure as Chairman simply would not have been possible without the support of his colleagues.

Most touching
Meeting the members of the Little Life Warrior Society in early 2009, who are suffering with or recovering from cancer, serious blood diseases or bone marrow-related complaints. Greatly impressed by their courage and determination, he decided to contribute to the Society's work by becoming a patron of the organisation.