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DH's response to a sentinel event at private hospital
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     In response to media enquiries regarding a sentinel event at a private hospital, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (January 27) said the following:

     "The DH received report of a sentinel event from Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (HKBH) on January 21, 2011 and commenced investigation immediately.

     "An 85-year-old female patient with chronic illnesses was administered four doses of a bronchodilator 'Aminophylline' (250mg) instead of 'Adrenaline' during resuscitation on January 20. The lady succumbed afterwards.

     "The DH is investigating the incident and has instructed HKBH to implement immediate improvement measures on drug administration and to submit detailed investigation report of the case. The hospital has reported this case to the Coroner. The DH will follow up with Coroner's investigation results.

     "The DH's investigation continues.

     "The DH has issued letters to other private hospitals to urge them to review their existing policies and procedures on drug administration to prevent occurrence of similar incidents.

     "This is the first sentinel event reported to the DH this year. In 2010, there were nine sentinel events.

     "The DH registers private hospitals if the conditions relating to accommodation, staffing and equipment are considered fit, in accordance with the Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Maternity Homes Registration Ordinance (Cap.165).

     "The DH has also issued the Code of Practice for Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Maternity Homes (CoP) to set out standards of good practice. If it identifies non-compliance with Cap.165 or the CoP, the DH may instruct the hospital to implement improvement measures, issue warnings, or even cancel the registration of or refuse to register the private hospital."

Ends/Thursday, January 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:15

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