We are opening a new cancer care support centre in the community, in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong where we will provide free professional cancer care services that covers 1.5 million population in the area. Services we provide include practical, psychological and physical support, including symptom management, nursing & dietetic consultation, emotional support & relief fund. Run by the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, our one-stop free cancer support service is unique in Hong Kong.
Princess Margaret Hospital, the major provider of oncology services in the area, registered over 59,000 clinical oncology attendances in 2014, an increase of 10% in the past three years. Population of the area accounts for 11% of Hong Kong, and those families are also some of the most socially and financially fragile. The official poverty rate in the area is the 3rd highest in Hong Kong, making the free services provided by CancerLink Kwai Chung an essential lifeline.
CancerLink Kwai Chung is going to be a centre with a difference. It will allow us to expand our range of rehabilitation programmes, provide a stable venue for the wellness classes, as well as to add new and upgraded services such as in-house physiotherapist, diet and nutrition workshops. The centre will also provide our regular services, including a centralized hotline, peer support, psychosocial counselling, home care, palliative care, drug subsidies and hardship fund.
We project that 17,800 cancer patients, 4,800 family members and 740 of the general public will be served by CancerLink Kwai Chung in year 3 of the support centre operation.
