“Inspired to Build” with Functional and Sustainable Development Concepts

(Hong Kong — July 11, 2015)  The Hong Kong Baptist Hospital has served Hong Kong with quality health services for over half a century. The opening of the new Block E today marks her continued commitment to grow and improve in response to the escalating demand of society for quality medical services in the private sector. In 2007, the Hospital kicked off her multi-year expansion plan by building a new hospital block (Block D). After another 7 years of hard work and planning, Block E was completed and has commenced services by phases since early 2015. Equipped with 102 beds, Block E has incorporated a number of functional design concepts which create a more efficient working environment conducive to enhanced quality of care.

Block E Grand Opening Ceremony today was officiated by Dr. Wing-man Ko, BBS, JP, the Secretary for Food and Health; Dr. Cindy Kit-lim Lai, JP, Deputy Director of Health; Dr. Pak-yin Leung, JP, Chief Executive of Hospital Authority; Dr. Charles Cheng, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital Board Chairman; and Dr. Raymond Chung-i Chen, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital Chief Executive Officer.

Committed to Quality Service 
At the Ceremony, Dr. Wing-man Ko expressed appreciation that Hong Kong Baptist Hospital was committed to meeting the escalating expectation of Hong Kong people in private medical services. “As a former associate doctor of Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, I witnessed her progression and improvement. Today, I am delighted to see the completion and opening of Block E. As a government official, my team and I look forward to the continued cooperation with Hong Kong Baptist Hospital in the further development of the public-private dual track medical services, for the betterment of Hong Kong.”

Block E Building in Full Operation by the 3rd Quarter of this year 
Dr. Charles Cheng revealed that, after the Hospital’s successful acquisition of Wah Do House located right next to Block D in 2007, it took three years for redevelopment planning and later government approval. “We are very grateful for the government’s support and the cooperation of all relevant parties, which allowed us to get the approval to start the construction of Block E Building in 2011. The topping out ceremony was held in November 2013, the Golden Jubilee year of the Hospital. Since the beginning of this year, Block E has come into service by phases, and it is expected to be fully operational in the third quarter this year.”

The new 10-storey Block E, with two basement levels, has a total floor area of 5,550 square meters. The service on each level is basically an extension from the adjoining Block D: Pathology Department; Specialist Clinics; 24 Hour Out-Patient Clinic, Heart Centre; Intensive Care Unit; and wards. A Premier Suite is accommodated on 9/F as a choice for patients for deluxe experience.

Sustainable Development to fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 
Dr. Raymond Chung-i Chen pointed out that, the Block E was built with sustainable development concept. “We have implemented environmental friendly designs including oil-free chiller and lighting systems, and curtain walls with sufficient lighting whilst maintaining indoor temperature, and vertical greens. During the process of design and construction, low carbon approach was adopted to proactively reduce energy and water consumption. All the aforesaid are CSR driven.”

Apart from the environmentally friendly designs, Block E features a number of functional design concepts, including

1) Vertical segregation to make use of high-low floors. For instance, Out-patient Clinic, with high volume of people movement, is accommodated at lower levels. The 24-Hour Out-Patient Clinic is relocated from Block B to G/F of Blocks D and E. This round-the-clock service with entrance located right at Junction Road is more convenient and accessible for patients coming by public transport. Wards at less-crowded higher levels well suit recuperating patients who would benefit from a quiet ambience with spectacular Kowloon Tong view.

2) Horizontal integration connects most floors between Block D and E, bringing about the benefits of optimal scale. For instance, the relocation of Intensive Care Unit to Block E allows smooth transition of care between ICU and HDU/CCU on the same floor in Block D. On the other hand, satellite units of Admission, Pharmacy and Radiology Department are collocated with the Outpatient Centre to provide one-stop service for patients.

3) Streamline of internal traffic reduces point-to-point traffic and elevator dependency, greatly reducing traffic time, benefiting patients, staff, and visitors.

The completion and operation of Block E demonstrates once again the commitment of the Hong Kong Baptist Hospital to provide ever-improving high quality service to patients “In the Service of Man for the Glory of God”.