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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is greatly concerned about the incident of Yaumatei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic having dispensed the expired cough medicine Promethazine Co Linctus (Vida) 120ml (Lot 07010006 Expire January 2009). A special meeting was held earlier today to follow-up the situation.
After detailed review of the drug dispensing and stock records, the Hospital found that 250 patients had been prescribed Promethazine Co Linctus (Vida) 120ml during February 1, 2009 to March 20, 2009 including both lots within and beyond the expiry date. Among these 250 patients, it was estimated that around ten or so patients had been dispensed with the expired lot. The Hospital had successfully contacted 109 patients, among them, 5 were confirmed to have been issued with the expired cough medicine. The Hospital apologized for the incident and drug replacement had been arranged for these 5 affected patients. Medical assessment would be arranged for them if so required. The Hospital would continue with the in depth investigation as well as contacting other patients who might possibly be involved in the incident.
The female patient who first reported this expired cough medicine incident had returned and received medical assessment at the Hospital today. Her condition was satisfactory. She was explained of the situation and dispensed with the necessary medicine.
As at 5pm today, a total of 41 patients had made enquiries to the hotline (telephone no. 2958 6572). From now on patients can continue to make enquiry about this incident through this 24 hours hotline number. The Hospital appealed to patients not to over worry and conveyed again apologies to those affected patients.
Ends/Sunday, March 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:08
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