Jockey Club gives Tung Wah rehab complex new lease of life

09/27/2013

Hong Kong’s first and still largest purpose-built rehabilitation complex, run by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), is expanding its services after a major renovation and the start of a new extension to boost capacity – made possible by continuing support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

The Trust’s support began 15 years ago with a HK$178 million donation to redevelop the Group’s Aberdeen centre, which became the TWHGs Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex. More recently, the Trust provided HK$27.47 million to cover major repairs and renovation to the complex after years of heavy usage caused by increasing demand for the rehabilitation services.  At the same time, the Trust proactively approached the Government and various NGOs to discuss possible solutions to the problem of long waiting lists among the mentally disabled, and finally supported the proposal by TWGHs, making a further donation of HK$91.18 million to build an extension to create additional residential and training places.  That brings the Jockey Club’s total contributions to over HK$296 million.

Today (27 September), Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai Tai joined Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare Annie Tam, TWGHs Chairman Dr Ina Chan, Southern District Council Chairman Dr Chu Ching-hong and other guests at the TWGHs Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex to celebrate completion of the major renovations and the start of the extension project, as well as to mark the Complex’s 15th Anniversary.

Noting the Club had established a long partnership with TWGHs, Dr Fan said the Trust’s recent donations had not only addressed urgent needs, but had also helped the Complex offer a more comfortable living environment to its service users, as well as increased training and residential places to shorten the waiting time.

Improvements to the Complex include an upgraded hydro-pool, a renovated multi-purpose hall and updated equipment, all designed to improve the quality of life for disabled clients and ensure operational safety and health for all service users and staff members.

Through the construction of two additional storeys to Block A of the Complex, the extension will create additional floor area of 2,900 square metres to accommodate a day activity centre cum hostel for persons with severe intellectual disability, and a self-financing training centre for rehabilitation personnel and carers.  Due for completion by October 2014, the extension will provide an additional 75 residential places and 75 training places for the severely mentally handicapped, as well as professional training for over 2,100 rehabilitation personnel, volunteers and carers a year.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.