Local Hospitals

Ever since I became a mother, one of my first questions when we move to a new city is ... where is the closest hospital? Here's the answer if you live in Sai Kung.

Tseung Kwan O Hospital (Located near Hang Hau)
http://www.ha.org.hk/haho/ho/hesd/101326e.htm

Definitely a local, public hospital. English is somewhat limited. Definite process and procedure. I spent a day there with my little girl (20 months) and while the care was good, there were a few things that made me a little uncomfortable. If you have to go, you must bring everything YOU will need. Blanket, personal toiletries, everything you can think of. On positive side, they have really lovely volunteers who bring crafts around to the sick children and spend time with them and make them smile. And my daughter loved the congee.

Prince of Whales Hospital (Located in Ma On Shan/Sha Tin area)
http://www.sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au/powh/

This is a public hospital that has a private clinic as well. If you visit Dr. Siu (in Sai Kung) first, she can send a request for a doctor who specializes in whatever ailment you may need addressed. It's the fastest way to get in to see a specialist. A teaching hospital, it is meant to be one of the best around.

I went to see a specialist for a ladies issue. I found it big. Really big. And even though there was no one else in the private clinic, I was still asked to wait for 30 minutes. When I was finally called in, I saw a doctor who was definitely *not* a specialist in my area. She was kind, and knowledgeable, but not a specialist.

When I went to the bathroom, they definitely had not been cleaned well, which reminded me of my time when I was pregnant with my first baby in England.

*I have friends who have and are delivering there. They both seem to be having and have had a good experience with the public offerings.

*I have another friend who took their baby to the ER with bronchitis and had a VERY BAD experience. First, they had to queue with all the rest of the folks, so it took a VERY long time to see a doctor. There was no heat in the Children's ward, no blankets for the mum (although there was a heat lamp for the baby). They ended up transferring over to Union Hospital, close by, and had a WONDERFUL experience there. There was even a mickey mouse ward and the food was good.

Union Hospital (Located in Ma On Shan/Sha Tin area)
http://www.union.org/new/english/about_us/location.htm

Union Hospital became the twelfth private hospital in Hong Kong in 1994. It is the first private general hospital in the Eastern New Territories.

The Hospital has a 7-story main hospital building with 4 ward floors which accommodate 200 beds, a 3-story Medical Centre, a 24-story staff quarters as well as an underground car park with more than 170 spaces (bonus!). The recent addition includes the Minimally Invasive Centre, Day Therapy Centre, Surgical Ward and a 5-star-hotel-like Private Ward.

*I do not have any personal experience with this hospital but we have a friend who had a VERY good experience with the pediatric section.

Mosquitoes and Tiny Black Bugs

The down side of Sai Kung? Mosquitoes!!

For those who have just relocated to Sai Kung, it is not uncommon to see huge welts appear after a mosquito bite. The first bite my daughter received was on her wrist, which became raised and red and spread halfway up her arm and down to the first knuckle on her fingers. It took many, many doses of antihistamine and nearly a week to subside.

Luckily, after polling numerous ladies in Sai Kung, I discovered Butterfly water. A light, floral, Chinese perfume, Butterfly water is available in the Chinese medicine store between the carpet store and Ali Oli in the main square - it does wonders when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. Use on small area of skin to make sure you don't have any allergies to ingredients (which aren't listed). I think it also gets stronger as you go, so be sure to shake the bottle before each use.

Best thing I've found for the tiny black bugs is light sesame body oil, made by Neutrogena. It is amazing! Can't buy it in Sai Kung - have to find a larger Watsons or Mannings. It might just change your life.

Classes For Kids

For those with kids, I have found the following classes in and around Sai Kung.

• SWIM - Mango (private/group lessons) 90105962
  
• TENNIS - Lea (tennis coach) 27095051
  
• DANCE - Tina (hip hop and ballet) 27910511
  
• PIANO – Music Horizons (2791 7676)
• MANDARIN – Jumpstart (2791 4838)
• SOCCER – Peter (23859677)
• TINY TOT RUGBY – http://saikungstingrays.com (400 kids participate every Sunday)
• ART - Anastassia's art house (25260882)
  

The local school, located near the Sai Kung swimming pool, has a wide range of classes available to kids outside of the school. Definitely worth stopping by and checking out what is on offer.

In addition, there is an amazing outdoor recreation center located near the Sai Kung fire station. They offer a roller skating rink, a swimming pool, archery, indoor play area for small kids, art, etc. Offerings change according to the time of year.

Important Numbers

For those just moving into town, following are some important numbers.

General Emergency:

• Emergency – 999
• Sai Kung Fire House – 2792-1553
• Poison control hotline - 26351111

Doctors:

• Dr. Siu – 27921601 (located near entrance of Stop & Shop car park, across from McDonalds)
• OT&P - 27196366 (1/F Razor Hill Dairy Farm Shopping Centre Clearwater Bay Road)
  

Weather Warnings:

• HK Weather – 1878200 (dial 3 for English)
• http://www.hko.gov.hk/contente.htm

Good Numbers To Know:

• Hong Kong Automobile Association – 35833628
• Peter, Man with a van - 90481506
• Taxi (1) - 23830168
• Taxi (2) - 27291199
• Eddie (Handyman) - 93372758

Settling In: About Sai Kung

Once a fishing village, Sai Kung Town now serves as a tourist destination and home to many expatriate families. Most residents live in small homes or village houses, as there are few apartment buildings. There are a wide range of restaurants, but Sai Kung is perhaps the best known for its seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

Sai Kung

Welcome to paradise!