Newsletter
Chairman's Message
December 2006
The Newsletter can be read on the web site: http://www.hksne.org.hk
Professor Frances Wong
EditorsDr. MAK Yim-wahDr. Marie TARRANT
PatronDr. LEONG Che-hung
ChairpersonProfessor Frances Kam-Yuet WONG
Honorary Advisors(in alphabetical order)
Dr. Sophia CHANHead, Department of Nursing StudiesThe University of Hong Kong
Ms. Jessie CHILDEFounding ChairpersonHong Kong Society for Nursing Education
Ms. Georgina HOPrincipal Nursing OfficerDepartment of Health
Ms. Adela LAIChairman, The Nursing Council of Hong Kong
Dr. LAM Ping-yan, JPDirector of HealthDepartment of Health
The Hon. Dr. Joseph LEELegislative Councillor
Dr. Susie LUMSenior Executive Manager (Nursing)Hospital Authority
Professor Angela McBRIDEDistinguished Prof. University Dean EmeritaIndiana University School of Nursing
Professor David THOMPSONDirector and Professor of Clinical NursingThe Nethersole School of NursingThe Chinese University of Hong Kong
Honorary Legal AdvisorMr. Mark LAM
Honorary AuditorMr. Alfred YEUNG
The Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education is a Continuing Nursing Education Provider accredited by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.
Dear members and friends,
The Hong Kong Society for NursingEducation advocates the promotion of
quality of services through education.
We do not see ourselves as merelyteachers, the ones who educate others.
We also regard ourselves as students,
those who need to be educated. Beingeducated implies not simply possessing
more knowledge, but more being morefulfilled as a person in all aspects of life,
physically, psychologically, socially
and spiritually.
We practice nursing in different settings
everyday, whether we work in theclinical, management or education
sectors. Managers and educators also
deliver nursing care indirectly, as weinfluence our colleagues and students
through work. Many nurses do not
realize that the therapeutic componentsof care are not just expressed through
the medication we give, the dressing
we perform. We ourselves are a potenttherapeutic agent as well. I had an
experience in the clinical setting
this summer when I had a clinicalattachment in a respiratory unit. A nurse
taught a patient how to use a ventolin
puffer. After diligently teaching andcoaching the patient on how to carry
out the procedure, the nurse asked the
patient if he would follow what shesaid. The patient simply said, "
"
('Of course, you have used your heartto teach me, I have to listen to you.")
Indeed, when we educate others, wehave to be educated ourselves, educated
to provide holistic care. As we care for
others, we are cared for too, for thepatient in return provides us with the
work satisfaction that keeps us going
in a busy work day.
Our Society took a wonderful trip to
Qingdao and Dalian this summer. It wasan educational and leisure trip. Please
visit our website at http://www.hksne.
org.hk and share our joy! We areplanning to go to Tibet next July and
all are welcome to join us on this exiting
trip.
Enjoy each day of your work as your
clients enjoy the presence of you andthe nursing care you deliver!
Who needs education?
Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
2
Educational Visit to Qingdao and Dalian12-19 August, 2006
The Society organized an eight-day educational visit toQingdao and Dalian from August 12-19, 2006. The aim of thevisit was to gain a better understanding of nursing and nursingeducation as well as the health care delivery system in thesetwo cities. We also explored the possibility of collaborationwith the host venues on education, practice and researchmatters.
Twenty members of the Society and their families participatedin this meaningful visit. Four sites in Qingdao and Dalian wereincluded:1. Qingdao Municipal Hospital2. Nursing School of Medical College, Qingdao Medical
University3. Nursing Department, Dalian Medical University4. Community College, Dalian Medical University
On the morning of August 14, the first site we visited was theQingdao Municipal Hospital. During this visit, the Society hadfruitful exchanges with both government officials and thehospital representatives. The hospital is affiliated with QingdaoMedical University with the support of the government.Ms. Cheng Tak Ha, a government officer from the HealthAuthority of Qingdao Municipal, kindly assisted us to tour thehospital. Prof. Ma Hai Yan, Head of the Science and ResearchDepartment of Qingdao Municipal Hospital briefed us on thebackground of the hospital. This was followed by a presentationof the mission of the hospital by Ms. Wang Yuk Ling, NursingOfficer. Ms. Wang described how the development of thehospital is based on the community needs and that with supportfrom the Health Authority, the hospital now can maintain thenurse-patient ratio of 1 to 40. Approximately 45% of the nursesin the hospital have a bachelor degree or higher level ofeducation. Ms. Wang further explained the hospital's emphasison effective management systems, promoting research activitiesand encouraging the continuing education of nurses. Thehospital requires one to two publications from the nursing staffwith a rank of Nursing Officer or above. The quality of patientcare was monitored using a set of clear criteria:
Nursing quality = 0 flaws;Nursing service = 0 distance (from patient);Nursing intervention = 0 gaps;Nursing outcome = 0 complaint
Society chairperson, Prof. Frances Wong introduced thedevelopment of Nursing Education in Hong Kong and theprogress on the development of The Hong Kong Academy ofNursing. Vice-chairperson Prof. Sally Chan then provided anoverview of the collaboration between the Society and ournursing colleagues in Mainland China. The former chairpersonof the Society, Mr. Cheng Bing Shu also provided an overviewof the establishment of an Academy of Nursing in Macau. Hepointed out that the current challenges in establishing the
academy were identifying and selecting the specialty areas tobe included. Society member, Ms. Cecilia Tsang, introducedthe roles and exemplars of nurse specialists in the medical unitof the United Christian Hospital (UCH) in Hong Kong. Shehighlighted that some of the major roles of nurse specialists inUCH were assessing, diagnosing and prescribing interventionsfor the care of geriatric, renal, diabetic, and incontinent patientsin the intensive care unit (ICU) and the accident and emergencydepartment (A&E). Another member of the Society, Eliza Wongshared her views on the responsibilities of nurse specialists inthe A&E Department. These responsibilities include auditing,mentoring of new staff and research. Dr. Sek Ying Chair pointedout that the role of a nurse specialist in ICU should not justfocus on hospitalized patients but could be extended to thosedischarged to the community. She emphasized that a nursespecialist should be able to provide continuous quality care tothe patient wherever they were. She elaborated with an exampleof a patient with severe cardiac problems. High-quality careshould be started from when the patient first attends to thehealth care system, such as the A&E. The quality cyclecontinues through the ICU and then back to the community.
In the afternoon, we visited an affiliated hospital in QingdaoMedical University. We were welcomed and briefed byProf. Wang Li, Vice Dean of Nursing School of Medical College,Qingdao University. The hospital is the largest hospital inShandong Province and will celebrate it 110th anniversary in2008. Prof. Wang also introduced the development of nursingeducation in their hospital. We then visited a general ward andthe intensive care unit of the hospital. We were impressed withthe spacious and well-equipped environment of the hospital.
In the morning of August 18, we visited the Dalian MedicalUniversity and the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian MedicalUniversity. In the afternoon we visited a community college ofDalian Medical University. During the visit, we had an in depthexchange of views on nursing education with the academic staffand students of the Nursing Department, Dalian MedicalUniversity. Prof. Zhang Xinyu, Vice-Director introduced thedevelopment of nursing in the Dalian Medical University,starting from its historical background as a secondarytechnological school up to its newly designed program. Thenursing program was changed from 5 years to 4 years in 2004.
As well as the educational visits, members of the Society alsovisited some of the famous and historical sites in the area.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Pan YongHua, Director General of the Education, Science andTechnology Department, Liaison Office of the Central People'sGovernment in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.As a result of his support and generous help, the educationalvisit ran smoothly and facilitated fruitful dialogue anddiscussion between the Society and our colleagues in MainlandChina.
Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
3
Educational Visit to Qingdao and Dalian August 12-19, 2006
Qingdao Municipal Hospital
August 14, 2006 AM ~ Visit to Qingdao Municipal Hospital
Meeting in Qingdao Municipal Hospital
Our chairperson, Prof. Frances Wong presentsa book marking the Society’s historical changesto the representatives of Qingdao MunicipalHospital
August 14, 2006 PM ~ Visit to affiliated hospital of Qingdao Medical University
Meeting with representatives from the affiliated hospital of Qingdao MedicalUniversity
Nurses’ station at the International Clinic ofQingdao Municipal Hospital
Intensive Care Unit at the affiliated hospitalof Qingdao Medical University
A ward at the affiliated hospital ofQingdao Medical University
Introduction of nursing service by Ms. Wang Li, Vice Deanof Nursing School of Medical College, Qingdao MedicalUniversity
Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
August 18, 2006 AM ~ Visit to Dalian Medical University
Members and their families and teaching stafff ofDalian Medical University
Prof. Zhang Xinyu, Vice -Director introduces the Nursing developmentin Dalian Medical University
The chairperson, Prof. Frances Wong gives votes for thanks for liaisethis visit and introduces members of the Society to teachers andstudents of Dalian Medical University
Prof. Sally Chan, vice chairperson provides an overview of the historicaldevelopment of the Society
Dr. Chair Sek-ying provides tips on innovative teachingin nursing education
Members sha re t he i r l e a rn ingexperiences with teaching staff andstudents of Dalian Medical University
Discussion with teaching staff and students of Dalian MedicalUniversity
Prof. Wong presents a souvenir toMr. Tang Jianwu, the President ofDalian Medical University
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Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
August 18, 2006 PM ~ Visit to affiliated hospital of Dalian Medical University and Community College
Members of Society and their families at the lobby of the affiliated hospital of DalianMedical University
Visit to an affiliated communityhospital of Dalian Medical University
Members of the Society, their families and community leaders enjoyed a fantastic summer visit to Qingdao, Dalian fromAugust 12-19, 2006. Let us share some of the highlights of this memorable tour.
Prof. Pan chats with members of the Society and theirfamilies
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Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
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National Day DinnerThe Society had joined the Hong Kong Health Services Sector National Day Celebration Committee as a member to organisecelebration activities for the National Day. Eleven of our members joined the National Day dinner on September 20, 2006.
Forthcoming Events
Plan for 2007 China visit to TibetWe are pleased to announce that the Society is going to organize an educational visit to Tibet for 10-14 days in early July 2007.The purpose of this visit is to facilitate academic exchange in the field of nursing and in particular, nursing education. Membersand their guests are cordially invited to participate.
Flight and railway seat availability is very tight during the summer months and confirmation of the trip schedule should be as earlyas possible. You may also invite your relatives or friends to join the visit. We are sure you will enjoy the spectacular views of Tibetand its rich cultural heritage. Details of the visit will be posted in due course. Please find the below information for your reference.
Tentative date: July 9-22, 2007Fee: Approximately HK$15,000Preparation: Due to the risk of high altitude sickness, participants are advised to be well prepared for the tour by getting fit
and engaging in regular exercise well prior to the departure date.
Annual General Meeting 2006The AGM will be held on March 2007 this year. You are cordially invited to take part in this important event. Further details willbe announced in due course.
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Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
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Dr. Chan obtained her MedicalDegree from the University ofWestern Ontario in Canada andalso has a degree in public healthfrom the National University ofSingapore. After joining the HongKong Department of Health in1978, Dr. Chan was appointed asDirector of Health in 1994. AsDirec tor, she launched new
services focusing on prevention of disease and promotionof health. She also introduced new initiatives to improvecommunicable disease surveillance and response, enhancetraining for public health professionals, and to establishbetter local and international collaboration. Dr. Chan isbest known both locally and internationally for her effectivemanagement of outbreaks of both avian influenza andsevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Upon her acceptance of the post, Dr. Chan laid out herstrategy for attaining results for health by addressing sixcore components: development, security, capacity,information and knowledge, partnership, and performance.Dr. Chan also stated that she wanted to be judged by theimpact WHO's work has on the people of Africa and onwomen across the globe. In her speech to the World HealthAssembly on Nov. 9th, Dr. Chan outlined her priorities:"With the enormous burden of disease in Africa, improvingthe health of the people of this region is critical for globalhealth. All regions, all countries, all people are equallyimportant. This is a health organization for the whole world.But we must focus our attention on the people in greatestneed. The health of the people of Africa must therefore bethe key indicator of the performance of WHO. My secondconcern is the health of women - and not just maternalheal th . Women do much more than have babies .Unfortunately, their act ivi t ies in households and
Congratulatory message to Dr. Margaret Chan
communities, coupled with their low status, make themespecially vulnerable to health problems."
In discussing this focus, Dr. Chan highlighted how thetemptation to try and be all things to all people can cause theWHO to be ineffective and not able to make crucial differencesin human health and suffering. "The determinants of healthare broad. The opportunities are many. The work of WHOtouches many sectors other than health. This creates atemptation to follow a "full menu" approach, which carriesthe risk of spreading resources too thin."
In her speech to the Executive Board of the WHO, Dr. Chanalso highlighted her political skills that were evident inthe outstanding leadership she demonstrated to Hong Kongand the rest of the world in the Avian Influenza and SARSoutbreaks. "Public health issues are primarily technical innature, but when the evidence is clear and health is at stake,the Director-General must be prepared to take a stand ondifficult, and at times political, issues that affect health.I will do so."
During her tenure as Director of Health, Dr. Chan workedto improve the health of the Hong Kong population. Shewill now apply that same determination to improving theworld's health: "Rest assured that I will work tirelessly,with my eyes on the goals we agree on together, my earsopen to the voices of all, and my heart committed to thepopulations of your countries."
Dr. Chan served as an honorary advisor to the Society from1998 to 2004. We are proud to have had the opportunity towork so closely with Dr. Chan. On behalf of the Society,we would like to express our sincere congratulations toDr. Chan on her new post and would like to thank her forher service to the Society and for her devotion to improvingthe health of the people of Hong Kong.
Merry Christmasand
Happy New Year!!
~ ~ 2007 ~ ~
Christmas Message
Christmas is approaching.
How are you going to spend the holidays?
Sing a Christmas carol?
Spend an extra-ordinary night with your friends and families?
No matter how, best wishes to you in this joyous festival!!
Newsletter/December 2006Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
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The election of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region will be held in March 2007.
The Chief Executive will be selected by an ElectionCommittee consisting of 800 members, among which 20
are from the Health Service Sector representing nurses and
allied health professionals. The 2006 Election CommitteeSub-sector elections will be held on 10 December 2006.
The Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education has beenactive in politics. Three of our ex-chairpersons were
members of the Election Committee. We believe that it is
essential to make our voices heard by participating activelyin matters affecting the health policy and development of
the nursing profession.
The Society is committed to promoting the quality of nursing
education and in supporting the requirement of a nursing
degree as the foundation preparation for nursing practice.We have also been actively involved in the work of
establishing the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing. All these
developments involve changes in the Government policy.It is therefore important that nurses will be able to influence
policy making at the Government level.
Support for the Society's Chairperson to run forelection of the Election Committee
Professor Sally CHANVice-chairperson, the Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education
Although the current system of electing the Chief Executivefor Hong Kong is not a perfect one, as professionals, nurses
have the right to indirectly elect the Chief Executive and
should exercise such right actively and carefully. Nurses'participating in voting demonstrates our commitment to both
nursing professional development and support for
democracy. I therefore appeal to all nurses in Hong Kongto take part in the coming election of the Election
Committee. I sincerely hope that you would share our view
of promoting health care for the community throughimproving the quality of nursing education. Our Society
needs your support to gather more power for making our
voice heard by the Government.
Please vote for the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Society
for Nursing Education
Professor Frances Wong!
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Renewal of Membership
The term of membership starts in January each year. Old members are reminded to renewtheir membership by paying the Subscription Fee.
For renewal of membership, please fill in your subscription form together with the SubscriptionFee to the Society’s P.O. Box 98898, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office. Please pay by crossed chequemade payable to ‘Hong Kong Society for Nursing Education Ltd.’.
Please vote for me,Frances Wong (No. 3)!
A professional, independent, objective candidate
I advocate:
Health care reform to strengthen community-based health services
Multi-disciplinary primary health and rehabilitative care
Human resources review in health care, increase of nursing manpower
Promotion of nursing education, establishment of Hong Kong Academy of Nursing
Separation of prescribing and dispensing
Enhancement of professional regulation