Page 66 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

During the year a number of steps were taken: through joint
efforts between United Christian Hospital, the Community Health
Project and Nethersole Hospital, a provident fund scheme and a news

paper (COPCERN) were initiated9 discussions were conducted toward
possibility of day to day management of Nethersole Hospital becoming
a function of the Board, and six additional small flats were constructed

on the ground floor of the doctors quarters. On March 20th, 1976 a
graduation Ceremony of the Nethersole School of Nursing (now located
at United Christian Hospital) was held, the first since 1973 at which
366 nurses graduated including registered nursess enrolled nurses and

registered midwives. The Board of Directors is taking steps to change
the organizational name "The United Christian Hospitals" because of

the confusion of it to the name "United Christian Hospital".

The United Christian Hospital continues to receive very

considerable financial support from the Hong Kong Government, which
amounted to $17,716,172.17 during this period. The 1976/77 prospects
are not very encouraging because of the continuing economic stringency.

The Chaplaincy Committee hopes to begin a chaplain's program
at UCH by January 1977 to minister to patients and their families,
provide guidance for local pastors, teach theology students and

Hospital staff, and provide a link to the church community. The
Committee has proposed that an appeal for the chaplaincy support be
made to the churches of Hong Kong asking them to concentrate on this

program, particularly as there is no chance of Government support for
this program. A brochure is being planned for distribution on Medical
Sunday (October 17, 1976) toward receiving a special offering; otherwise

this program could also come within annual "mission" givings.

The Hospital volunteer services program continues to expand,

and at present has approximately 100 persons in active service around
the Hospital. Steps are underway to form a volunteer service organiza-
tion between the Hospital and Community Health Project.