The performance of the Hospital Authority Board, management and all staff over the years - particularly during the SARS outbreak - has been outstanding.

This was the reaction of Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong in response to the resignation of authority chairman Dr Leong Che-hung today.

Dr Yeoh said the incessant efforts of the board under Dr Leong's leadership, management and staff were one of the major factors in helping to bring the epidemic under control. He thanked them for their selfless sacrifice, without which the outcome of the epidemic would have been worse.

"No one wishes to see the loss of a single life but the healthcare system was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the epidemic. In fact, no other place in the world encountered the same ferocity as Hong Kong did," Dr Yeoh said.

He added that he tried unsuccessfully to ask the chairman to stay on in the interests of Hong Kong, and to lead the organisation forward.

"Dr Leong has insisted to take on fully his responsibility and resigned. However, he has agreed to stay on until a suitable successor is found," Dr Yeoh said. "I am pleased the board will stay on in the public interest."