Overseas Training Mission on Paediatric Dermatology at Hospitals in Singapore

By Mr Calvin WONG and Ms Crystal CHUI

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology Society (HKPADS) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), and supported by BM Division, the captioned three-days overseas training mission was held from 11 to 13 September 2014 in Singapore. Funded by The Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme (PSDAS), the training mission successfully attracted the participation of a group of Hong Kong medical professionals to appreciate the latest clinical practices and medical technologies related to paediatric dermatology in Singapore. Three renowned hospitals in Singapore were visited, namely National Skin Centre (NSC), KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and National University Hospital (NUH).

Upon arrival to Singapore, the participants were led to visit the National Skin Centre (NSC) which is a public healthcare institution upholding a mission to be the national and regional centre of excellence for the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. During the tour, NSC representatives introduced the outpatient specialist dermatological service provided by centre which a team of experienced dermatologists serve more than 1,000 patients daily to treat various skin diseases and provide training to medical students which undertake research in dermatology.

The delegates then visited the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) which was established in 1858.  The mission of KKH is to provide excellent, holistic and compassionate care for women and children. KKH is currently a referral centre providing tertiary services to handle high-risk conditions with more than 400 specialist doctors and 1,000 nurses. At the hospital, the participants gained chances to appreciate the major medical facilities in the hospital including the Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and the allergy testing laboratory.

Lastly, the delegation toured the participants to the National University Hospital (NUH) which is a tertiary hospital and major referral centre for a comprehensive range of medical, surgical and dental specialties in Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery. The delegates visited the core facilities of the Division of Paediatric Allergy at NUH including the paediatric ward and the operation room for laser treatment.

Through the training mission, participants not only gained a better understanding on the advanced medical technologies and clinical practices related to paediatric dermatology, but also shared their views and technical knowledge with overseas medical professionals. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the National Skin Centre, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National University Hospital for their generous contribution in making the training mission a success.