Long-service Awards celebrates dedication to community care
The continuing passion and selfless contributions of 729 caring professionals were recently recognised at the Hospital Authority’s annual Long-service Awards Ceremony. Heartwarming highlights of the event included the chance to hear two colleagues share their treasured memories and experiences as long-term members of the HA family.
Ruby Leung
General Manager (Nursing) at Grantham Hospital
Ruby Leung’s 40 years in the healthcare sector may have given her a fulfilling career, but her initial decision to become a nurse owed more to chance than intention. The teenage Ruby had only submitted the application for student nurse training to support her friend – but ended up being accepted as a student nurse! In addition to working as a frontline registered nurse, she has also spent time as a nursing teacher and a patient relations officer. Her various experiences have provided a wealth of knowledge that she uses in her current role to help enhance the hospital’s service quality. With plans to retire at the end of this year, Ruby shared some advice for those still in the early stages of ‘planning’ their career. “You may not find your ‘ideal’ job at the very beginning, but once you have stepped onto a possible path you should go forward without fear. If you can find meaning in your work, it will soon become your passion. Always believe in yourself and be optimistic – you can overcome any challenge!”
Betty Ko
Former Physiotherapy Department Manager at Princess Margaret Hospital and North Lantau Hospital
Betty Ko, who retired in February this year, joined the Hong Kong Government School of Physiotherapy as a student in 1973. After qualifying as a physiotherapist, she actively pursued professional and personal development through continuous learning and was rewarded with promotion to the position of department manager. “I think my biggest challenge came from learning how to unleash not just the physical but also the mental capacity of patients undergoing rehabilitation treatment. And my greatest satisfaction came from seeing people reap the recovery benefits of sticking to regular exercise and rehab practices.” Betty said. “I also enjoyed working with the healthcare team to provide all-round care and support for patients and their families.”