Exercise is key to rehabilitation

Dr Tam Chun-hay
Associate Consultant (Medicine and Geriatrics)
United Christian Hospital

Joining HA in 2003, Dr Tam Chun-hay specialises in the care of kidney failure patients, carrying out haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant.

Two years ago, Dr Tam advocated nocturnal home haemodialysis service in United Christian Hospital. Patients can make use of the time they are asleep to perform the procedure and avoid any disturbance of their daytime activities. However, introduction of the new service was confronted with many challenges. The scheme has finally commenced after multiple discussions and interviews his team made with fellow colleagues and patients to relieve their doubts and hesitations.

Apart from the treatment, patients’ recovery also concerns Dr Tam. He always encourages patients to exercise more so that they can slowly adapt to normal life again. “I organise some regular exercise sessions in the community where the patients belong to, but it isn’t easy to find a suitable venue and trainer. For example, I could only find a Tai Chi master to offer free classes in the district after all the hassles. My colleagues and I visit them regularly to show some support.”

Dr Tam was the Hong Kong team doctor in the World Transplant Games in 2011 and 2015, when he followed the athletes to Sweden and Argentina respectively to take care of their health and safety. Given the time he spent together with transplant recipients, Dr Tam has gained more insights into the matter, which help him provide care that better fits the needs of kidney failure patients.

There are currently thousands of patients suffering from kidney failure in Hong Kong, but only less than 100 patients could receive kidney transplant every year. Other waitlisted patients have to rely on dialysis to sustain life. Therefore, Dr Tam urges for citywide support of organ donation, “Don’t take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here!”