Jockey Club CADENZA Community Project helps stroke patients to recover

04/26/2012

Stroke ranks as the fourth major killer in Hong Kong, with nearly 20 percent of stroke survivors likely to have a second stroke within five years. Many patients miss a golden opportunity to recover due to late admission to rehabilitation programmes.

In view of the pressing needs of these patients, CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors has collaborated with the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council to organise an integrated and multi-dimensional stroke rehabilitation programme, namely CADENZA Community Project: Transitional Care for Stroke Patients.

Today (26 April), the Club’s Executive Manager, Charities, Imelda Chan joined Elderly Commission Chairman Professor Alfred Chan, CADENZA Project Director Professor Jean Woo, Kowloon Hospital Head of Rehabilitation Dr Mandy Fung and Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Director Dr Jane Lee at the CADENZA Community Project: Transitional Care for Stroke Patients: “The Way Ahead” Sharing Session at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin.

The Project aims to help patients aged 50 or above who have suffered a stroke within a year and have stable condition, no infectious disease and a mental status that is suitable for group living. It arranges intensive and continuous rehabilitation programmes for patients during the six months after a stroke, so as to maximise the effect of the 'Golden Rehabilitation Period' and increase their chance to progress and recover.  The benefits to the community go beyond treating the stroke victims, because the services reduce unnecessary admissions to hospitals and long-term care institutions, as well as alleviate the burden on the public sector.

Under the Project, patients and family members are involved in organising the ongoing care plan, with recovery progress reviewed periodically with scientific data as well as visual evidence. Besides putting medical, nursing, allied health and social work professions together, the Project also integrates alternative treatment methods like acupuncture and rehabilitation software so as to help stroke patients maximise their rehabilitation potential and enjoy independence as far as possible.

Award-winning film editor Cheung Yiu Chung was half-paralysed after suffering from a stroke in September last year. With the help of the service, his health condition has hugely improved. “Thanks to the care and encouragement given by nurses and staff, I have regained confidence and been able to re-integrate into society,” he said.

Fellow service user Dr Tsang Tim Lam said, “I suffered from a stroke in 2009 due to cerebral haemorrhage. I had physiotherapy in hospital for more than a month but it didn’t really work. I had to rely on a machine to get up. After I used the service, I started to learn to stand and walk again. I can walk freely after using the service for three and a half months.”

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is a project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project aims at nurturing academic leadership in gerontology and changing the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes.  Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly aging society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.

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 a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 billion a year 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, with more than 23,000 members. 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.