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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to media enquiries about the verdict of a Coroner's inquest today (September 27) on the death of a girl at Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) in 2011, a spokesman for TMH gave the following reply:
TMH expressed its deepest condolences and an apology to the parents of the deceased girl.
Having noted the professional views made by the expert witness at the inquest, the hospital would study them seriously in order to enhance the clinical standards of its services. The hospital will also carefully study and follow up on the several recommendations made in the inquest.
TMH, since the incident, has strengthened training and supervision of medical staff including deploying related team members for training at both local and overseas centres. The TMH paediatric department regularly invites paediatric cardiologists from other centres to conduct joint consultations for patients, as a measure to improve service standards.
The hospital has a system in place to triage patients for Holter monitoring (ambulatory 24-hour electrocardiography (EGC) monitor) according to their clinical needs. Patients can undergo the examination as early as on the same day if clinically indicated.
TMH's clinical departments also have well-established manpower deployment plans to ensure that clinical services will not be affected by leave arrangements of staff members. In this particular case, there were three paediatricians with cardiology training at that time who could take care of patients in need. The hospital has repeatedly reminded front-line doctors of this patient triage and manpower deployment arrangement to ensure proper triage and care for patients.
Meanwhile, TMH will gradually increase the cardiology examination service including the service capacity of 24-hour electrocardiography monitoring. The number of Holter monitors will increase from the current nine to 11 in October.
The hospital plans to purchase three more devices next year, bringing the total number to 14, and will increase medical manpower accordingly for the service. With the extra number of the monitors and increased manpower, the hospital will be able to improve the services to provide earlier service to patients in need.
The hospital will maintain close communication with the family of the deceased girl and provide them with all necessary assistance.
Ends/Thursday, September 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:23
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