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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to media enquiries, the spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) gave the following reply:
A 48-year-old leukemia female patient was scheduled to receive a five-day chemotherapy treatment in PWH beginning on March 24. Two doses were required each day, while each dose should be 2 grams of Cytarabine to be prepared in 250ml normal saline.
On the first day of treatment (March 24), the Pharmacy Department sent to the ward two packs of prepared product with 4 grams of Cytarabine in 250 ml normal saline. The patient received two doses of chemotherapy that day. Staff of the Pharmacy Department later became aware of the mistake and immediately informed ward staff.
Doctor immediately assessed the patient and there was no adverse effect on the patient. The dosage that the patient received was within the normal range. The patient was in stable condition. The dosage for the remaining treatment of the patient was adjusted on March 25 and the dosage applied did not exceed the overall prescribed dosage. Hospital staff has explained the case to the patient and reported to the Hospital Authority.
PWH will conduct an investigation and review the protocols on preparing drug. The hospital will also handle the concerned Pharmacy staff according to established human resources procedures.
Ends/Friday, March 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:39
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