Opening on 3 April, the CityU Veterinary Medical Centre (CityUVMC), one of the largest veterinary clinics in Southeast Asia, will provide medical cases for studies and practicum opportunities for students at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).
CityU Peace Avenue Veterinary Clinic (PAVC), currently located in Mongkok, will move to the CityUVMC in April.
Addressing the opening ceremony for the Centre on 27 March, Professor Way Kuo, CityU President, thanked the University and the CityU VMC team for dedicated efforts.
“‘It takes ten years to forge a sword,’” he said. “I’m proud of our team, as the Centre is just like a sharp sword.”
Mr Lau Ming-wai, Chairman of the CityU Veterinary Health Group Board of Directors, said the Centre would boost the aspirations of the College. “Veterinary medicine is not only concerned about caring for pets but also public health. I hope that the Centre will take on a leadership role in this regard.”
Dr Duncan Hockley, Executive Director for CityU Veterinary Health Group and CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said the Centre would strive to become a centre of excellence in Hong Kong and Asia as well as the world. “Our team of veterinarians and support staff is committed to setting a standard of excellence for veterinary science and patient care,” he said.
With a floor area of approximately 33,000 square feet, the three-storey centre is equipped with, a first-of-a-kind in Hong Kong intensive care unit for animals, a cardiology suite, 22 consultation rooms, nine dedicated operating theatres, and 24/7 emergency services manned by registered emergency veterinarians.
In addition to its primary veterinary services, the Centre has the biggest veterinary specialist team in Hong Kong. The team provides specialist veterinary services in eight areas: surgery, anesthesiology, neurology, dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, and emergency and critical care. In the future, it will also offer oncology services.
The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment, including a new 64-slice CT scanner, and devices for 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, complete digital radiography, ultrasound, colour doppler echocardiography, intra-operative fluoroscopy and endoscopy.
The Centre will collaborate with the Caritas’ Gato Home Project to provide free physical examinations and treatment for cats participating in the project. In addition, it will work with Make-A-Wish Hong Kong, a charity organisation, to arrange activities for the “A Real Vet For A Day” programme for sick children. It also supports the Spay Neuter Assistance Programme of the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals.
More than 50 guests attended the opening ceremony, including Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung, Ms Lilian Chiang Sui-fook, and Miss Lo Po-man, members of CityU Council; Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Member of the Legislative Council and Director of CityU Veterinary Health Group; Dr William Ho, JP, Chairman of the CityU Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Committee; other good friends and supporters of CityU, and CityU’s senior management.
