Chinese Medicine Hospital launches integrated care programmes

First phase will prioritise post-stroke and lower-back-pain management.

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong will launch its first batch of comprehensive treatment services on 27 July under its Special Disease Programmes, combining practitioner-led Chinese medicine with modern Western medical support.

The first phase will focus on post-stroke care and lower-back-pain management, according to a statement.

“Under this care continuity framework, Chinese medicine practitioners conduct joint consultations with Western physicians, whilst dedicated nurse case managers co-ordinate cross-disciplinary follow-ups for each patient,” the statement said.

The programmes will combine treatments including acupuncture, herbal fumigation, moxibustion, and tui-na with Western medical support and physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists and nursing teams will monitor patients' progress, with treatment plans adjusted where necessary.

“We perform a lot of Chinese medicine treatments that can be different from outside clinics or outside society, including acupuncture, fumigation treatment, moxibustion, and tui-na,” said Cheung Chun-hoi, Deputy Hospital Chief Executive for Chinese Medicine at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong.

The hospital will launch about 12 of its 23 targeted specific disease programmes within the first year.

The hospital cited the case of a 67-year-old patient who suffered a transient ischaemic attack several years ago, which affected his mobility.

The patient said severe neck and shoulder pain, along with hand numbness, affected his sleep and that painkillers did not relieve the pain.

“After receiving a series of treatments here, that is no longer the case. Now, only my fingers are less flexible, and I still find it difficult to raise my hand,” he said.

The patient's treatment plan combines traditional therapies including herbal fumigation, acupuncture, cupping, and tui-na with modern physiotherapy.

Cheung said the patient initially had impaired hand mobility and an unsteady gait. His condition improved following targeted acupuncture, tui-na, and herbal fumigation treatments, with his walking becoming more stable and allowing him to walk for longer and exercise.

“We are now focusing on improving his hand function,” Cheung said. “His shoulder pain has been treated and he can move around already.”

The hospital is also preparing to phase in 24-hour inpatient services from December, with some cases potentially moving from outpatient and day-patient services to inpatient care.

The hospital is also building its workforce, with about 1,500 job seekers attending a two-day job fair in early May.

Partnerships with Mainland Chinese medicine hospitals will also allow practitioners and masters to conduct short- and long-term teaching and training in Hong Kong, according to Cheung.