Asia

Seeking new and innovative ways to supporting health for older age in Melbourne

June 16, 2016

The POST program was delighted to host Dr. Henry Hui from Hong Kong’s Pamela Youde Eastern Nethersole Hospital this month in Melbourne.

Henry works as a Resident Specialist, with the team at the Department of Psychiatry in his hospital to provide services for aged and adult mental health services.  This includes working with teams in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and the aged care outreach program.  Through his work, he is involved in multidisciplinary approaches and comprehensive mental health care for people in the eastern district of Hong Kong Island.

As well as spending time with St. Vincent’s and NorthWestern Mental Health Services, Dr. Hui was able to participate in the 21st University of Melbourne Annual Symposium in the Psychiatry of Old Age: ‘Avenues to support mental, physical and cognitive health in older age’ which was hosted by the University’s Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age.

During his last week in Melbourne, Henry was generous enough to share a few of his impressions of our work and a popular pastime for all of Victoria’s visitors, spending time along the coast and with the fabulous Little Penguins on Phillip Island.

What were the main objectives for your visit with our mental health services?

“I wanted to learn from international work in the areas of expanding hospital based services into community services, especially in areas like dementia.  The non pharmacological approaches here in Melbourne were impressive and it was great to see the specialist behavioural intervention skills.  I think that these kind of roles would match well with Hong Kong healthcare services and have potential to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

What was one of the more surprising things that you observed in Australian health services?

“I was surprised as the multicultural element of the community and workforce.  I knew there were strong connections with China, but it was surprising to see the wide range of different non-English speakers, and the access and ready use of interpreters to provide health care.

Outside of work, did you get a chance to explore as a tourist?

“Yes, I was lucky to go to many of the great tourist attractions in Victoria including the Great Ocean Road, with the beautiful Twelve Apostles, Philip Island, and Puffing Billy.  I also enjoyed spending time in St. Kilda and Geelong, and eating good food from the Queen Victoria Markets.

If any of our colleagues are contemplating a visit to Hong Kong, what would you recommend for their free time?

“The Peak and the panoramic views of Hong Kong are worth a visit and with a visit to the Victoria Harbour, you will see some of Hong Kong’s beautiful scenery.  There are many good food options at Central and Causeway Bay.

 

This program included support and resources from the much valued network of program partners, organisations and individuals who make up the wider POST Program family

Want to join the post Program? Email us postprogram@svha.org.au or go here for further information.

 

Henry Hui and Bridget Organ at the May 2016 POST program graduation

Henry Hui and Bridget Organ at the May 2016 POST program graduation