Background

In Hong Kong, the healthcare system faces challenges such as an ageing population, increased chronic diseases, and growing demand for healthcare services. Initiatives such as the “Voluntary Scheme on Advanced and Specialized Nursing Practice” ² by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong aim to tackle the anticipated nurse shortage. With the government’s emphasis on bolstering primary care via the “Primary Healthcare Blueprint,” released in December 2022, there is a rising demand for highly skilled nurses to lead primary and community care services.

Nursing leadership plays a critical role in addressing manpower challenges, workforce planning, education, training, and staff engagement in healthcare settings. Effective nursing leadership not only ensures quality care delivery but also promotes collaboration, patient-cantered care, and organizational improvements. To meet the evolving healthcare needs in Hong Kong, a comprehensive nursing talent development project is proposed to enhance leadership knowledge and capabilities among nurses at different levels. The NLD programme aims to address nursing manpower challenges, align with healthcare system reforms, and improve health outcomes for the Hong Kong Community.

¹ https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/world-needs-more-and-better-nurses-heres-how-education-sector-can-help

² https://www.nchk.org.hk/en/advanced_specialised_nursing_practice/index.html