HA appeals to public for condition of patient requiring urgent heart transplant

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following appeal today (July 31) regarding the condition of a patient who requires an urgent heart transplant:
 
     A patient who requires an urgent heart transplant is currently hospitalised at Queen Mary Hospital and is in critical condition. In response to an urgent appeal from the patient and family members concerned, the HA appeals to members of the public to proactively support organ donations and consider donating the heart of a deceased relative to rekindle the lives of others.
      
     In view of the critical condition of the patient, in addition to proactively searching for a suitable heart locally, the HA will also seek assistance from the Mainland through relevant procedures as soon as possible. When a patient who is willing to donate an organ is deceased and no suitable patient is identified to receive the organ on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.
      
     The spokesperson emphasised that when a suitable heart is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange transplant operations with an aim to save the patient's life the soonest.
      
     For critically ill patients with organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope to extend their lives. When deceased patients and their families show selfless act of love and donate the deceased person's organs to save dying patients, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life, but also eases their families from hardship in life. The HA appeals to the public to pass on the great love, blessing and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives.