Press Releases

SFH on HA's Independent Review Committee report

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, at the Legislative Council Complex today (July 9):

Secretary for Food and Health: The Hospital Authority (HA) has appointed an Independent Review Committee regarding the suspension of clinical duties of Professor Yu (Cheuk-man) of the cardiology unit of the Prince of Wales Hospital. The HA has just released the full report of the committee. I notice that in regard of the hospital chief executive's decision to suspend part of the clinical duties of Professor Yu, the review committee concluded that it is an appropriate decision basing on patient safety. Secondly, the Independent Review Committee also regarded the appointment procedure of the two expert panels to be in order. However, the review committee is of the view that the management of the Prince of Wales Hospital could have done better in terms of communication with Professor Yu regarding the suspension of part of his clinical duties. The Food and Health Bureau will study the report in details and follow up with the HA.

Reporter: (on Professor Yu's performance of procedures)

Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding the resumption of Professor Yu's clinical duties, the Independent Review Committee also recommended the HA to further discuss with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) before deciding on whether to adopt the experts' recommendations.

Reporter: (on what procedures Professor Yu can perform)

Secretary for Food and Health: At the present moment, according to the HA, Professor Yu can perform such procedures as cardiac catheterisation as well as cardiac pacing. As to the process and criteria for the hospital to allow Professor Yu to resume other types of procedures, it will be left for the HA to further discuss with the CUHK.

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

Ends/Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:22

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