Nurses light up in patients’ limping road of treatment

Since Kong Ka-hung
Registered Nurse
Queen Mary Hospital

‘The highest form of good resembles water’ is the family motto of Since Kong, Registered Nurse from Queen Mary Hospital. He always remembers how he should remain as vigorous as a roaring river, as perseverant as dripping water that wears away a stone, as embracing as how water nurtures all living things and as humble as falling water.

Since takes the initiative to improve quality and safety of patients’ journey in receiving oncological treatments, including the in-patient suicide prevention programme, as well as the case admission workflow and medication administration logistics re-engineering programme. Understanding some cancer patients are enduring unnecessary adverse reactions to treatments on top of various symptoms, Since decides to take a further step to empower patients and their relatives with the ability and confidence to actively prevent chemotherapy extravasation and neutropenic fever after discussions with colleagues and with encouragement from managers. This commitment encourages cancer patients to self-monitor and note down the reactions during treatment journey for higher self-awareness, self-belief and lower risk of delayed treatment.

Given how Since patiently listens to and communicates with patients, mutual trust starts to gradually develop to transform nurse-patient-relation into friendship. “I’ve met an end stage cancer patient who is a mother in her 50s. Last Christmas, she held my hands and told me, ‘The two-year long treatment has been exhausting, but I really want to thank you for your help and support all along. I still remember how you used to look young and innocent when I first met you. Now you’ve grown up to be a reliable man!’” says Since. “The current technology may not be able to cure every single cancer patient, but it’s our key role and value to accompany and support patients through their treatment journey and help relieve their sufferings.”

Since humbly attributes the award to his open working environment, “I’m blessed to have good seniors and colleagues who work closely with me all along and make me feel more motivated, happier and committed. I hope I can continue and further uplift and brighten the nursing profession in the future.”