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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding a rare incident of pathology report deviations, the spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) today (August 11) made the following announcement:
During a Pathology Department internal meeting held in late May for routine review of pathology reports, three pathology reports issued by the same pathologist were found to be inaccurate. The Pathology Department found the incident rare and decided to proactively review all pathology reports issued independently by the pathologist from October 2013 to May 2014. The department also suspended the pathologist's duty to issue reports independently since then.
The department completed the review of a total of 2 153 pathology reports last week, among which 118 were found to require content revision. Among the reports that required revisions, 17 concerned misdiagnosis, leading to minor adjustment of treatment plans for 15 patients and significant revisions in treatment plans for two patients.
UCH is in the process of contacting the 17 affected patients and will advance their medical appointments and examinations required as early as possible. Case doctors will explain the incident and the revised treatment plans in detail to the patients affected. The doctors, together with the Patient Relations Office, will render all necessary assistance and support to the patients including advancing their medical and examination appointments. The 17 affected patients are from various specialties including Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Medicine. The hospital has set up an enquiry hotline at 3949 7994.
UCH reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) last week. An independent investigation panel will be established to look into the incident. The investigation report with recommendations on improvement measures will be completed and submitted to the HAHO within eight weeks.
The pathologist concerned is now on leave. UCH will consider appropriate follow-up action if needed in accordance with the HA's prevailing human resources policy after the investigation. UCH would like to express sincere apologies to all patients and their families affected by the incident.
Ends/Monday, August 11, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:20
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