Stepping down: Dr Ko Wing-man has announced he will leave the Hospital Authority in December, after 24 years of service in the public healthcare sector.

The Hospital Authority's Director of Professional Services & Human Resources Dr Ko Wing-man has announced he will resign from his post after his contract ends on August 31. To facilitate a smooth transition, he will stay on until December.

Authority members expressed regret at the announcement, but respect his decision. Chief Executive Dr William Ho said he was saddened by the departure of such a highly capable and diligent deputy. He deeply appreciated Dr Ko's efforts in deputising for him during the difficult days of last year's SARS outbreak.

Dr Ko had wanted to resign after the outbreak, but Dr Ho persuaded hiim to defer his decision.

Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong expresses his regret

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said he was sorry to hear of the resignation, and thanked Dr Ko for his many contributions to the healthcare system during his 24 years of public service.

"The dedication he has demonstrated in his work and his incessant efforts throughout the years in improving the quality of patient care are highly commendable," Dr Yeoh said.

"During the SARS epidemic when he deputised for the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, he was responsible for effectively coordinating the response in the public sector to an unprecedented outbreak of infectious disease."

Dr Yeoh added Dr Ko's departure will be a great loss to the public sector, and he wished him every success in his future endeavours.

Despite leaving the public healthcare system after more than two decades, Dr Ko said he would continue his support to the development and enhancement of public healthcare services in Hong Kong.

Two experts to share Dr Ko's post

In mid-September, Poon Kai-tik will take up Dr Ko's public affairs responsibilities. Mr Poon has been heading the Housing Department's Corporate & Community Relations sub-division for the past eight years. He is a renowned and seasoned expert in the communications field.

Upon Dr Ko's departure, David Rossiter - who joined the Hospital Authority as Deputy Director of Human Resources in November, 2002 - will head up the Human Resources division.