Hospital Authority clarification on news report about unpleasant experience and alleged use of physical restraint on paediatric patients during hospitalisation
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Regarding a news report about unpleasant experience and alleged use of physical restraint on paediatric patients during hospitalisation, the Hospital Authority made the following clarification today (March 17):
Generally speaking, the hospital will only consider the application of physical restraint on paediatric patients for the safety and well-being of the patient. Appropriate and prior consent will be sought from the parents or guardians. There is no question of parents not knowing so beforehand.
As regards whether children would be admitted to hospital alone, the hospital will, as a standing practice, also provide option for the parents, who are tested negative to COVID-19, to accompany their confirmed children to stay in the same isolation room, subject to the agreement of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and the availability of isolation capacities.
The hospital will explain the risk of contracting the infection to the parents. Essential infection control precautions and personal protective equipment will be provided. Due to infection control consideration, the parents will be required to undergo an additional quarantine period under CHP after the paediatric patients are discharged.
Hospital will always take into account the interests of paediatric patients and their families, and cater for the special needs of the patients as far as possible during hospitalisation.
Ends/Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 23:42
Issued at HKT 23:42
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