The outgoing chief executive of the Hospital Authority, Shane Solomon, hopes his successor will act on concerns raised by staff and the community, rather than just listen to their grievances.
He also wants to see the long waiting time for hospital services shortened and better conditions for staff.
The 54-year-old Australian will leave Hong Kong for Brisbane today after spending more than four years in the post. He was the first non-local and non-doctor to take up the post.
Solomon said earlier that he was returning to his home country because his father-in-law is seriously ill and his wife needs his support.
'Since announcing my resignation I have been very surprised and gratified by the reactions I have had from people. I thought people would throw bananas at me for not staying around to do the job longer. But in fact they understand that family is important,' Solomon said yesterday as he held farewell parties with staff and the media at the authority headquarters in Kowloon City.
'So I learned a new dimension to Hong Kong. It is not just about work. Other things matter to people.'