HA hospitals celebrate caring work of nursing angels

International Nurses Day on 12 May saw a series of events take place across the Hospital Authority network to celebrate the caring contributions of Hong Kong’s nursing community.

In Kowloon Central Cluster, an experience-sharing session by the former and current Chief Managers (Nursing) began with the pair carrying a bucket to the nurses’ quarters, in a physical demonstration of the importance of individual responsibility and self-motivation as well as teamwork in driving the development of the nursing profession.

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital set up an ‘appreciation tree’ decorated with notes for the dedicated efforts of nursing staff. The hospital also invited C Kwan, a member of the popular Hong Kong hip hop band FAMA, to share his views on ‘creativity in hospitals’. Queen Elizabeth Hospital gave a drama with the message that nursing is a profession that can influence people across the whole community. Other activities to mark the day – which is also the birthday of the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale – included lunch gatherings and awards presentations.

The current and former nursing heads, Jane Liu (right) and Sylvia Fung, say that innovation is a key element for advancement of the profession.

United Christian Hospital’s candle-lighting tradition represents the passing on of the spirit of Florence Nightingale to new generations of nurses.