Press Releases

SFH on fatal patient incident and investigation of Prince of Wales Hospital cardiology services

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at a public function this morning (September 6):

Reporter: Tissue paper was found in a patient's airway. How come it happened again three years after a similar incident? On the investigation into the recent incident concerning the Prince of Wales Hospital cardiology unit, would the Government consider appointing a judge to head the investigation along with overseas experts?

Secretary for Food and Health: For patients with an artificial tracheostomy, the clinical care should be very vigilant. Therefore, the discovery of any artefact inside the artificial tracheostomy would be a matter of concern. Since the preliminary investigation by the hospital could not identify any reasons (for the case) or sources of this particular artefact discovered, the Hospital Authority (HA) considered that this case should be referred to the Coroner for investigation. Hence, any subsequent investigations should be undertaken by the Coroner officer and the HA, as well as the professional staff will do everything to co-operate with the investigation.

For the second question about the investigation of the Prince of Wales Hospital cardiology services, I would like to reiterate that the HA has set up an independent review committee. The HA has also stated the possibility of inviting independent overseas expert in this particular area to assist the investigation.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, September 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:22

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