Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, Hospital Authority Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung and Chief Executive Dr William Ho have expressed their deepest regret at the death of a United Christian Hospital staff member who succumbed to SARS this morning.

In mourning: Colleagues and the public pay tribute to Lau Kam-yung, the latest healthcare worker to succumb to SARS.

Lau Kam-yung, aged 47, worked as a healthcare assistant in a medical ward since April 2001.

She contracted SARS while taking care of patients in the ward during the Amoy Gardens outbreak.

She was hospitalised on April 2 and transferred to the intensive care unit on April 10. Despite active medical treatment, she remained critically ill and died this morning at around 5am.

"I wish to express my heartfelt respect for this frontline worker, who faithfully looked after patients in a professional and caring manner," Mr Tung said.

"I join the entire community to extend our deepest sympathy to her family."

Dr Yeoh said: "I am deeply sorry for the loss of a dedicated health care staff member and wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation for her commitment to patient services."

The hospital's Chief Executive Dr Tse Chun-yan also expressed his appreciation of Ms Lau's dedication and selfless commitment to her work.

The authority will offer assistance and support to her family, including allowances and a sum allocated from the authority's Charitable Foundation.

An account (502-301989-001) has also been set up at HSBC for public donations to Ms Lau's family. Enquiries can be made at 3148 5024.