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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following announcement today (August 6) regarding an adverse medical event:
A 50-year-old male patient sought consultation at Yau Ma Tei Family Medicine Centre on July 4 due to shortness of breath and a swollen liver. The doctor referred the patient to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for clinical admission. He was admitted to the medical ward on July 7. During his stay, an echocardiogram showed that the patient had dilated heart chambers and heart failure. At the same time, he was diagnosed to have hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. His condition stabilised and he was discharged on July 12. A computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram had been arranged for July 29.
On the morning of July 29, the patient underwent the CT coronary angiogram in the Radiology and Imaging Department. Before the examination, the patient was required to take a heartbeat rate reduction medication, Betaloc, according to clinical protocol. The normal dosage for an adult was prescribed to the patient. Upon subsequent checking of the referral record, it was found that the dosage recommended by the physician was lower than the prescribed dosage. The patient's blood pressure was closely monitored during the examination. After he left the CT Centre and took a rest, the patient left the Radiology and Imaging Department, accompanied by his family.
At around 3pm on the same day, the patient collapsed at home and was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department by ambulance. He was resuscitated and prescribed an adrenaline infusion. When his condition stabilised, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment. An ICU doctor and cardiologists had a joint consultation and considered arranging percutaneous coronary intervention for the patient. Cryotherapy was arranged in ICU with mechanical ventilation support. On July 31, an intra aortic balloon pump was put into the patient to strengthen his cardiac function. However, his condition deteriorated and he succumbed at about 11pm on August 4. The case has been referred to the Coroner for further follow-up.
The Hospital is deeply sorry for the incident and would like to extend condolences to the patient's relatives and provide assistance to them. The Hospital is highly concerned about the incident and an investigation panel will be set up to conduct an in-depth investigation. It is expected that the investigation panel's report will be completed in six to eight weeks and submitted to the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO). The clinical department had reported the incident to hospital management and HAHO via the Advance Incident Reporting System. Follow-up action will be taken according to prevailing human resources policies if required.
Ends/Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:08
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