Princess Margaret Hospital announces sentinel event
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The Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) spokesperson made the following announcement regarding a sentinel event today (July 14).
An 86-year-old male patient presented with subdural haematoma and was admitted to the Neurosurgery Ward at PMH on July 12 for an emergency left burr hole operation to drain out the blood. As minimal blood clot was seen after opening of the dura during the operation, the doctor then noticed that the operation was being done on the right side. The doctor closed the wound on the right side and proceeded to drain the blood clots on the left. The patient regained consciousness and has been stable after the operation.
The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A Root Cause Analysis Panel will be formed and a report will be submitted to the HAHO within eight weeks. PMH has met the family to disclose the incident and extend an apology.
Following the incident, the HA issued an internal reminder to relevant clinical departments today on the importance of carrying out time-out procedures in accordance with the "Surgical Safety Checklist". The HA is also finalising the corporate-wide Surgical Safety Policy currently under review to enhance the effectiveness of time-out procedures, a critical step for the operating team in ensuring correct surgical sites.
Ends/Friday, July 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:45
Issued at HKT 16:45
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