Latest news with #DrJeremyHo
South China Morning Post
05-07-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's feral pigeon population drops 11% in hotspots amid feeding ban
Hong Kong has recorded a roughly 11 per cent drop in the number of feral pigeons found at common gathering spots after an expanded no-feeding law took effect, according to authorities who are planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) patrol robots to enhance enforcement. The number of feral pigeons stood at about 12,090 during the first quarter of this year, down by about 11 per cent from around 13,520 in the previous three months, across 140 spots in the city where birds gathered or caused a nuisance, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Food left by people for the birds was found at 30 of the 140 spots during the first three months of this year, down from 37 during the fourth quarter of 2024. The department carried out a citywide study over the two quarters, with researchers conducting on-site inspections and recording the number of feral pigeons spotted. 'As various departments continue to strengthen enforcement to combat illegal feeding activities, we expect the problem of feral pigeons gathering in urban areas and the nuisance they cause to continue to improve,' said Dr Jeremy Ho Hon-pong, senior veterinary officer of animal health at the department. The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 took effect on August 1 of last year, expanding the citywide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons. The revised law is part of the city's efforts to curb illegal feeding activities and improve environmental hygiene.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
‘It saved my life': New app helping cancer patients manage treatment at home shows promising results
A new online tool designed to help cancer patients manage their chemotherapy symptoms from home is being called a game-changer by both patients and health-care providers in the Lower Mainland. The RESPONSe program was launched last year at Richmond Hospital. It allows patients undergoing chemotherapy to report their symptoms through an app or website. The information is monitored by nurses and doctors, who can then respond quickly to offer guidance, suggest medications, or recommend when patients should seek emergency care. Dr. Jeremy Ho, who leads the RESPONSe program, says it's helping to catch complications early. 'We're asking patients how they're doing after treatment and then trying to catch symptoms early so that we can hopefully prevent them from becoming serious,' said Ho. For cancer patient Sydney Cuthill, the tool has made a real difference. 'I had every side effect you could get, from thrashed hives to loss of appetite, and this program was a huge game-changer for me,' she said. 'It's like having a nurse in your pocket.' Another patient, Katherine Lecy, credits the app with potentially saving her life, after she fell seriously ill while on vacation. 'I launched the app to describe my symptoms, and I was running a fever of 103 or 104 (degrees Fahrenheit), and the app actually just said go to emergency,' Lecy said. 'It saved my life.' Since its launch, the program has enrolled about 150 patients, resulting in more than 700 symptom management calls from nurses. Ho says the system is not only improving patient care but also reducing strain on the health-care system by preventing unnecessary emergency room visits. 'The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,' Ho said. It's unclear if this program will be expanded beyond Richmond Hospital. The Ministry of Health told CTV News via statement that it 'is committed to improving cancer care in the province.' 'We are pleased to hear the success of the RESPONSe home monitoring program. We will continue to explore advances in technological innovation like this initiative.' The RESPONSe project was funded by $300,000 in grants from several donors, including the B.C. Ministry of Health Innovation Fund, the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Team Grant Award, the Richmond Hospital Foundation, and the BC Community Oncology Trialists.
