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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) made the following announcement today (February 26) regarding a medical incident:
A 75-year-old male patient was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of YCH via ambulance for shortness of breath at 5.13pm on February 21. After AED doctor's examination, the patient was admitted to medical ward for myocardial infarction and severe heart failure. At 10.54pm, the patient was transferred to Coronary Care Unit for further monitoring and treatment.
The patient condition continued to deteriorate after admission. Cardiac ultrasound showed that the patient's myocardial infarct was complicated with ventricular septal defect. After assessment by the attending cardiologist, the patient was then arranged to receive further investigation at the Cardiac Intervention Centre (CIC) of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). At 4.15am on February 22, the patient was escorted by a doctor and a nurse to the CIC of PMH via ambulance. Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) and transport ventilator were used during the transfer.
On the way to PMH, the patient was all along under monitoring by the medical and nursing staff. There was no major abnormality detected in vital sign monitoring. At 4.22am, when the patient arrived CIC of PMH, the nurse of the CIC noticed that the IABP was at stand-by mode. The nurse immediately turned it back to operating mode after consulting the doctor. The nurse of CIC also subsequently reported that the connection of the ventilator tubing did not conform to usual practice.
After receiving coronary investigation at CIC at 5.50am, the patient's condition remained stable. The patient was then admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of PMH for further monitoring and treatment. In the evening, the patient had cardiac arrest at 6.30pm and finally certified dead at 7.48pm.
YCH is very concerned and feels sorry about the incident. The involved medical team had met the family members and explained the incident in details. They also expressed deepest condolence to the family members on behalf of the hospital. The hospital will continue to liaise with the family and offer necessary support and assistance. In addition, the case had been reported to the Coroner for follow up and also to Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO). An investigation panel will be set up to investigate the incident. The investigation report will be submitted to HAHO in eight weeks and also explained to the family.
Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:26
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