All together now: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, his wife, Hospital Authority Chairman Dr C.H. Leong (third from left) and Chief Executive Dr William Ho (second from right) pay tribute to the good work of nurses at the International Nurses' Day ceremony.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and his wife, and Hospital Authority Chief Executive Dr William Ho hailed the contribution of nurses in the battle against SARS today - International Nurses' Day.

Dr Ho also read out a letter to healthcare workers from Vice Premier Wu Yi.

In the letter, Ms Wu said despite the sudden onset of SARS, healthcare staff continued to work diligently, setting an example for their counterparts, just like late nurse Lau Wing-kai who succumbed to the virus.

The love and contribution of healthcare workers has saved many lives and won the praise and respect of people in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Mr Tung said without such sacrifice and devotion in caring for the sick, Hong Kong would not have made as much progress in fighting SARS.

He said the battle has not only demonstrated once again how much nurses deserve being called "Angels in White", it has also added to the lustre of that reputation.

Dr Ho said the experience of the past several weeks made him realise how positive, selfless and professional our healthcare workers are. 

He also thanked the public for its support and sincere concern for healthcare workers.

Mrs Tung said SARS has awakened our good heart to show more concern for others, and consolidated the unity of Hong Kong people in the fight against the disease.