Tag Archives: China

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (May 30) regarding an incident involving insertion of a nasogastric tube:

     On May 26, a patient in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department underwent a surgery, during which a nasogastric tube was inserted to facilitate postoperative administration of medication and feeding of formula milk. Based on clinical needs, the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for close monitoring after the surgery.

     Clinical team arranged an X-ray examination for the patient to verify the position of the nasogastric tube. In general, the X-ray results are uploaded to the Clinical Management System for review by on-duty doctor. At about 10am the next day (May 27), another doctor assessed the patient’s condition and instructed a nurse to start feeding through the nasogastric tube. The nurse extracted fluid sample from the patient’s nasogastric tube to perform the pH confirmatory test on the gastric aspirate. According to the established protocols, the nurse began nasogastric tube feeding for the patient with drugs and formula milk at about 11.30 am. The patient showed no abnormalities during the time.

     When healthcare staff reviewed the patient at around 5pm, it is suspected that the nasogastric tube was misplaced. The feeding was terminated and the nasogastric tube was removed immediately.

     Clinical team performed bronchoscopy, X-ray, Computed Tomography scan and ultrasound examination on that night and in the morning of May 28. The investigation showed a small amount of pneumothorax and pleural effusion in the patient’s chest cavity. The clinical team has performed chest drain for the patient. Subsequently, the patient’s clinical condition has stabilised. The patient is now conscious, breathing independently and able to communicate. The clinical team will continue to closely monitor the patient’s clinical condition and provide appropriate treatment to the patient.

     The hospital is very concerned about the incident and has contacted the patient’s family to provide a detailed explanation and apology. The hospital will maintain close communication with the family, offering all possible assistance and follow-up care. Following an initial review of the incident, it was found that although the pH of the liquid extracted from the nasogastric tube matched that of gastric fluid, the X-ray images uploaded to the system were suspected of not being properly reviewed, which led to the failure to detect the misplacement of the nasogastric tube. The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System. A Root Cause Analysis Panel has been set up to investigate the incident. The report will be submitted to the Hospital Authority Head Office within eight weeks. The panel members are as follows:

Chairperson:

Dr Victor Ip
Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority

Members:

Dr Chan Ka-hing
Consultant, Department of Intensive Care, Tseung Kwan O Hospital

Dr Raymond Cheung
Chief Manager, Quality & Safety Division (Patient Safety & Risk Management), Hospital Authority

Dr James Wesley Cheng
Deputy Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority

Ms Ho Ka-man
Department Operations Manager, Department of Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital

Mr Leung Lok-man
Cluster General Manager (Nursing), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital Authority

Dr George Ng
Chief of Service, Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Dr Eddy Wong
Chief of Service, Department of Ear, Nose & Throat, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital read more

     Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after the Fight Crime Committee meeting today (May 30):

Reporter: To tackle the emerging use of “space oil drug”, the police have been using the rapid test kits. And also in February, the drug’s main ingredient was classified as a dangerous drug. So I wonder if this tougher measure has resulted in a decline in “space oil drug”-related crimes in the first four months of the year. I believe you mentioned 315 people have been arrested for such crimes since the ingredient was classified as a dangerous drug. Do you think such arrests just show a tip of the iceberg? Do you see a further need for the Force to bolster their enforcement efforts? Thank you.

Secretary for Security: Thank you for your question. First of all, despite there is a slight decrease in the overall serious drug cases, which is about one per cent, the cases involving etomidate increased by more than 10 times in the first quarter of this year compared with the ones last year.

     Since etomidate starting to be classified as a (dangerous) drug on February 14, we have arrested a total of 315 people, including 30 per cent of them involving in drug trafficking.

     In order to tackle this problem, I think first of all, we have utilised the Etomidate Rapid Test Kits, which the police have adopted, so far resulting in the arrests of 49 people. And we are focusing on intelligence-based (investigations) to tackle the import and the manufacturing of “space oil drug”.

     And we also placed emphasis on the prevention and education aspect. For example, in the curriculum of schools, we have put in the harmful effects caused by “space oil drug”. And we also have 61 interactive drama sessions in different schools, and a publicity vehicle that will go to different hotspots of young people so as to publicise the cost (of abusing “space oil drug”) and the damage that can be done by “space oil drug”.

     We also work with a lot of NGOs to increase rehabilitation services and to (carry out) research on how to tackle the problem. And in order to even fine-tune the legislation, we are going to list all the analogues of etomidate as dangerous drugs. We hope, with those measures in place, the situation will continue to improve. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.) read more

     â€‹The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 30) following up on a confirmed case of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) involving a secondary school student and reminds members of the public to seek medical advice promptly if they have symptoms, such as persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating. Those diagnosed with TB should follow their doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course of anti-TB treatment. 

     On May 14, the CHP received a notification from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) that an 18-year-old male secondary school student with good past health had attended QEH the previous day (May 13) due to shortness of breath, persistent cough, blood in sputum, fever and weight loss. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment on the same day. His sputum specimen tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient did not receive Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine as recommended by the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme.

     The patient was discharged against medical advice on May 25. He was referred to the CHP’s Chest Clinic for follow-up as he needed to continue receiving directly observed treatment. He attended the Chest Clinic on May 26 for consultation and received one dose of anti-TB treatment, but did not continue to attend as scheduled. Medical staff of the Chest Clinic repeatedly reminded the patient and his family of the importance of continuing the treatment. Since the patient has only received anti-TB treatment for a short period of time, discontinuing the treatment would worsen the infection, increase the risk of transmission and emergence of drug-resistant TB, posing a public health threat. Given the above, the CHP issued an Isolation Order today and the patient was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment.

     The CHP is arranging screening for teachers, staff and students of the same grade as the patient at the school. No other cases of infection have been recorded so far.

     “TB is an airborne disease. When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli are generated and spread in the air. If another person breathes in these small airborne droplets, he or she may be infected with the germ. However, prolonged exposure is usually the prerequisite for the disease to be effectively transmitted. Members of the public should always be vigilant against TB and adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and have suitable exercise and adequate rest to minimise the chance of contracting the disease. BCG vaccine is effective in preventing serious cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (such as TB meningitis). Parents should arrange for their children under 15 who have not received the BCG vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

     People with symptoms such as persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating should seek prompt medical advice. Early identification of TB cases and prompt initiation of anti-TB treatment remain the mainstay of TB control. The Chest Clinics under the CHP provide TB patients with free outpatient consultation and treatment. If TB disease is diagnosed, the patient should strengthen their respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and receive TB treatment under the doctor’s advice.

     The CHP will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate actions. read more

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (May 30) met with senior officials from foreign governments attending the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation to exchange views with them on issues of mutual concern.
      
     Mr Lee met respectively with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Mr Ignazio Cassis; the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr Mohammad Ishaq Dar; the Minister for Justice and Attorney General of Papua New Guinea, Mr Pila Niningi; and the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, today, welcoming them to attend the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Mr Lee said that upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services for international disputes. Hong Kong is encouraged to contribute to and serve the successful establishment and operation of the IOMed.
      
     On economic and trade co-operation, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance on strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations with different countries. In the face of emerging unilateralism and protectionism, the HKSAR Government will remain steadfast in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a free port and pursuing free trade policies, ensuring the free flow of goods, capital and information, and attracting enterprises from around the world to trading and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.
      
     Mr Lee added that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, is the only city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He welcomed enterprises from all countries to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets.

        

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met today (May 30) at Government House with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Wang Yi, to welcome Mr Wang as he visits Hong Kong and attends the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (the Convention). Mr Lee and Mr Wang had a working luncheon and exchanged views on the work of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), and international exchanges and co-operation related to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting.

     Mr Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Central Government for its strong support in establishing the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong. He noted that the IOMed is a high-level international organisation. He said that the Central Government demonstrated its staunch support to the HKSAR in its development as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan through setting up the IOMed Preparatory Office in Hong Kong, completing the negotiations on the Convention, facilitating the consensus among different parties on situating the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong, and hosting the signing ceremony of the Convention in Hong Kong.

     Mr Lee said that the presence of Mr Wang in Hong Kong to witness the historic moment of signing the Convention is a great encouragement to him and the HKSAR Government. The HKSAR Government is well-equipped to promote the IOMed and to develop Hong Kong into a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Mr Lee said that basing the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong will bring a host of significant benefits to the city.

     First, the IOMed will elevate Hong Kong’s international status and role in international mediation. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong, as the only common law jurisdiction in China, boasts an established legal system, a solid foundation of the rule of law, diverse legal and dispute resolution services, and a wide pool of legal professionals with a global perspective. He noted that Hong Kong could make important contributions to the work of the IOMed.

     Second, the IOMed will generate substantial economic benefits. Its service demand will create a large number of job opportunities in positions such as mediators, translators and researchers. The IOMed will also attract international organisations, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions to establish a presence in Hong Kong, drawing high-quality conferences and exhibitions to the city and further boosting sectors like hospitality, food and beverages, logistics and transportation, as well as industries in the conference economy. With a status on par with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the United Nations in The Hague, the IOMed will become a pivotal institution for resolving international disputes. This will facilitate deeper economic co-operation between Hong Kong and overseas economies such as regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, creating more business opportunities.

     Third, the IOMed will further enhance Hong Kong’s ecosystem related to the rule of law, promoting the popularity of a mediation culture and encouraging the community in resolving issues through dialogue. Mr Lee highlighted that the IOMed will help Hong Kong attract more legal and dispute resolution professionals from around the globe, contributing to the development of the legal framework for dispute resolution and further consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international legal hub.

     Mr Lee also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, and Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas for their continued support in deepening the HKSAR Government’s international exchanges and co-operation. This includes the meticulous arrangements for overseas visits of Mr Lee and other HKSAR Government officials, enabling Hong Kong to more effectively showcase its unparalleled advantages of having the strong support of the country while maintaining connectivity with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle.

     Noting that consular protection of the country has always been the strongest safeguard for Hong Kong people travelling abroad, Mr Lee thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its ongoing support and care provided to the people of Hong Kong through Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas. The HKSAR Government will continue to enhance Hong Kong people’s understanding of consular protection policies and work related to Hong Kong, and raise their awareness and capabilities in the areas of security and protection.