Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 13) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at St Stephen's Beach, Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lo So Shing Beach, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Pui O Beach, Upper Cheung Sha Beach, Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Tong Fuk Beach in Islands District; and Hap Mun Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Task Force on Land Supply will hold its fourth and last public forum (Kowloon) to gauge public views on land supply options. Details and enrolment arrangements of the public forum are as follows:

Date: August 25 (Saturday)
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre, 4/F, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre
            (19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon)

     The forum will be conducted in Cantonese. Simultaneous interpretation in English will be available. Interested members of the public may register from tomorrow (August 13) at 9am by using the following methods:

(i) Online: www.landforhongkong.hk/en/participation/engage_act.php;

(ii) Email/fax: Download the registration form from the above website for return via email (pflandforhongkong.hk@a-world.com.hk) or fax (2865 2559); or

(iii) Telephone: 2114 4972 (9am to 5pm).

     Registration will close on August 17 (Friday) at 5pm. In view of the limited seating capacity at the venue, only one seat can be reserved for each registration, and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

     The dates and venues of the roving exhibitions to be held by the Task Force from September 7 to 26 are as follows. The exhibition period is 11am to 8pm.
 

     For enquiries, please contact the Public Engagement Director for the Task Force by telephone at 2114 4972 (9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays)) or email (pflandforhongkong.hk@a-world.com.hk).

     The five-month public engagement exercise of the Task Force on Land Supply will end on September 26. Comments on land supply options and other issues related to land supply from all sectors of society are welcome. For more information on activities of the public engagement exercise, please visit the dedicated website (www.landforhongkong.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (August 12) regarding a sentinel event:

     A 24-year-old pregnant patient had received regular antenatal check-ups at QEH. She was diagnosed with oligohydramnios and proteinuria. Doctor arranged her to be admitted for an induction of labour during gestation of 38 weeks.

     She was admitted to the hospital at about 8am on August 10 (Friday). After assessment, the medical staff used medication to perform an induction of labour for the woman in the morning and closely monitored the condition of the pregnant patient and her foetus. Their conditions were both stable at the time. The woman suddenly developed short duration of seizure at 10.30pm and the medical staff immediately examined and monitored the patient, but she developed cardiac arrest a few minutes later. The medical staff immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the woman and called medical staff of different specialties, including Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Unit and Paediatrics, to help the resuscitation.

     During the resuscitation, doctors performed an emergency bedside cesarean section and a baby was delivered at 10.45pm. During the process, the medical staff continued to resuscitate the woman where external cardiac massage, intubation and blood transfusion were performed. The medical team kept a closed communication with her husband and relatives. The medical team performed resuscitation for more than three hours but the patient condition was still critical with repeated occurrence of cardiac arrest. Doctors explained the situation to the patient’s husband and relatives. The patient finally succumbed at about 5am on August 11 (Saturday).

     The hospital has referred the case to the Coroner’s court for further follow-up. The baby is now in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in serious condition.

     The hospital expresses its deepest condolences to the family. The hospital would continue to closely communicate with the family and provide them with all necessary assistance. The hospital has reported the incident to Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) via the Advance Incident Reporting System. An investigation panel will be set up for in-depth investigation. It is expected that the investigation panel report will be completed for submission to the HAHO in eight weeks.

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, at a media session after attending the Eye Donation Thanksgiving Ceremony today (August 12):

Reporter: Will there be any follow-up action regarding the girl who is paralysed at the United Christian Hospital? Regarding the Hospital Authority’s report released a few days ago, her family isn’t very happy with that. Isn’t that the hospital’s responsibility to explain the situation clearly to the patient’s family?

Secretary for Food and Health: It is unfortunate that this girl has come across this very rare complication. Of course, the Hospital Authority has the responsibility to explain to the patient and also the family members before any medical procedure; and after the procedure, to take good care of the patient and to identify any signs of stroke or complication. As far as the condition of the girl is concerned, the Hospital Authority is now providing care to the girl, especially rehabilitative care. The Hospital Authority is now communicating with the family members and also providing whatever support that is needed by the family members.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 12) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.