The unsung heroes

內容僅以英文提供。

The importance of administrative staffs for stellar health service excellence is increasingly recognized.

While doctors and nurses are highly involved in patients' wellbeing, many often forget that those who silently support them from behind are just as pivotal.

According to the Hospital Annual Report in 2015, staff that are in non-direct contact with patients are accounted for 40% of total staff of the Hospital Authority. Their efforts, which alleviate the burden of clinical staff on non-medical duties, and allow them to focus on providing better quality service for patients, are not to be overlooked.
 

Ensuring the seamless operation of hospitals is no easy task. Many aspects require tireless efforts and meticulous attention to detail as the tiniest mistakes can have major implications. For instance, hygiene is one of the most important aspects in hospitals for obvious reasons. Specifics down to what cleaning agents are to be used and how to clean all require close scrutiny.

Currently, the PolyU-affiliated School of Professional Education and Executive Development (PolyU SPEED) offers the only top-up bachelor's degree program in HK to train up professionals to work in this sector. A highlight of the 2-year full-time program is the abundance of practical experience to be accumulated. All students of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business (Healthcare Services Management) programme (HSM) are required to have a minimum of 300 hours work placement at public or private hospitals, or other healthcare services providers, giving them precious hands on experience before they graduate.

Wong Hiu Hung, current student of the HSM program, joined the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital's internship program in 2018 to learn about hospital management. "I joined the research education and administration program at HKU-Shenzhen Hospital for my internship. My instructor is leading a project called 'Standardization Training for Resident Physician'." says Wong.

"Joining internship that is related to your field of study can broaden your horizons, and allow you to understand your own strengths and weaknesses in the professional field, prepare you for entering the industry in the future," adds Wong.

Ng Wa Wai, also current student of the HSM program, studied fashion design and dabbled in the industry before joining PolyU SPEED, demonstrating the versatility of the program in regards to accepting entrants with unrelated disciplines*. During his study, he joined an internship program in 2018 to work at Kwong Wah Hospital to assist in major health services management projects. "The hospital internship opportunity is really valuable to our future career because it gives us a chance to learn from experienced administrators in the hospitals, and we can practice what we have learnt from class!" says Ng.

*Students from unrelated disciplines are required to take foundation subject(s).

Please refer to The Standard for the related article.