Kowloon West Cluster announces a serious untoward event
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The spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) announced a serious untoward event today (May 8) as below:
A 69-year-old male patient attended Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of the Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) for lower limb weakness on April 25. He was diagnosed with myocardial infarction upon admission to the Medical Ward. Anticoagulant was prescribed for the patient. The patient developed stroke symptoms soon afterwards. Emergency computed tomography scan of the brain showed cerebral infarct. After discussing with the relatives and with their agreement, the patient was escorted by healthcare staff to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for further assessment.
Upon arrival at PMH AED, the patient was assessed by healthcare staff, with documentation of relevant diagnosis and treatment received in CMC. As the patient has symptoms of stroke, further assessment for intravenous thrombolytic therapy by the stroke team was immediately arranged. Intravenous thrombolytic therapy proceeded after reviewing the computer tomography scan of the brain by the stroke team. During the infusion of thrombolytic drug, the team noted that the patient had received anticoagulant for myocardial infarction within 24 hours and immediately stopped the infusion right away to prevent escalating the risk of haemorrhage.
The patient developed a haemorrhagic transformation of the cerebral infarct, subsequently deteriorated and also developed a pneumonia. He finally succumbed on May 5.
KWC is very concerned about the incident and has had ongoing discussions with the patient's family, and provided support as necessary. The case has been referred to the Coroner and was reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) as a Serious Untoward Event. A root cause analysis panel will be set up for investigation. The report will be submitted to HAHO in eight weeks.
Ends/Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Issued at HKT 20:33
Issued at HKT 20:33
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