On 23rd February 2019, the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organization, the Hospital Authority and the HKAPI Joined hands to organise the sixth Patient Empowerment forum. Over 150 patients, healthcare professionals and HKAPI members participated in the event.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Sophia Chan, JP., Secretary for Food and Health, Government of the HKSAR, Professor John CY Leong, Chairman of Hospital Authority, Dr Tony Ko, Director (Cluster Services) of Hospital Authority, Mr. SL Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations and Ms. Kara Cheung, Vice-President of HKAPI.

The theme of the forum is “Patient-centered Healthcare”, which means a patient’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all healthcare decisions. Representatives from patient groups shared the challenges in daily life and desire to healthcare services in videos produced by students from Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and HA nursing schools, while doctors and medical social worker shared in short talks how they treat patients from a clinical perspective as well as emotional, mental, social and financial perspectives. They also discuss patients’ role throughout the treatment process.