Cross-boundary organ donation done

February 17, 2025

Under the strong support of various Mainland authorities and medical institutions, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it once again received a cross-boundary organ donation from the Mainland, and a heart transplant was successfully done for an eight-month-old girl, Whitney, at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH) yesterday evening.

 

In a press release, the Hong Kong SAR Government thanked the Mainland authorities for their strong support in providing emergency assistance to Hong Kong citizens.

 

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau pointed out that upon the central government’s approval, more than 100 personnel from 18 Mainland authorities worked together to ensure the safe and smooth transportation of the organ across multiple locations.

 

“The second cross-boundary organ donation case this time has demonstrated a more effective co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

 

“This once again exemplified that both the Mainland and Hong Kong share the principle and mission in protecting and saving lives, which is of great significance.”

 

Whitney’s parents expressed gratitude for the assistance from the Mainland authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government in finding a suitable heart for their daughter. They were also thankful to the Mainland and Hong Kong medical teams for their unwavering effort in saving Whitney’s life.

 

Moreover, they were very thankful for the altruistic decision made by the donor’s family during their time of difficulty, and stressed that their selflessness has given Whitney a chance for a new life.

 

HKCH Cardiothoracic Surgery Consultant Dr Nicholson Yam, who was in-charge of the transplant, explained that the heart procurement operation was performed in the Mainland earlier yesterday by heart transplant experts sent by the National Quality Control Centre for Health Transplantation in Beijing, while the HKCH performed the transplant operation immediately upon receiving the heart in the afternoon on the same day.

 

Whitney is now being closely monitored in the intensive care unit. The clinical team will strive to provide optimal care according to her condition and medical needs.

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