The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) announced a sentinel event today (April 8).
A terminally ill female patient with lung cancer was admitted to an oncology ward of QMH on April 5 due to shortness of breath. Appropriate treatment was provided and the patient's condition as well as emotion were stable upon clinical assessment following her admission.
A member of the ward staff served the patient at around 11.15pm on April 7. The patient was in a stable mood with no abnormality observed. After 15 minutes, the staff member approached the patient again and found her hanging on the lifting pole of the bed with a scarf around her neck. The staff member released the patient from the lifting pole and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately. The patient's family members were also informed. Resuscitation was carried out but the patient was certified dead early this morning.
QMH is deeply saddened by the incident and expresses deep condolences to the family members, and will offer necessary assistance. The Hospital is very concerned about the incident and has reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to look into the incident. The investigation report will be submitted to the Head Office in eight weeks. The case has been referred to the coroner for follow-up.
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