Urgent plea for heart donation as Hong Kong teacher, 44, fights for life

Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority is appealing for a heart donation to save a 44-year-old man in a critical condition. He is a father of two young daughters, and a teacher by profession.

The authority said on Thursday that the patient, Yu Siu-hei, who was previously in good health, suffered from chest pain after exercise on October 20 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital.

Computed tomography confirmed an aortic dissection the following day. He was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei and underwent surgery for aortic valve replacement.

Yu, who has taught at Tung Chung Catholic School for 15 years, developed severe heart failure after surgery and is now in the intensive care unit. He also experienced severe lung failure and required artificial lung support.

The authority said he urgently needed a heart transplant and has appealed to the public, while seeking help from mainland China.

“In view of the critical condition of the patient, in addition to actively searching locally for a suitable heart, the authority will also initiate procedures to seek help from the mainland,” it said.