The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) announced a Sentinel Event today (October 20) as below:
A 61-year-old male patient was admitted to the isolation room in a medical ward of CMC on October 15 due to severe pneumonia. The patient had underlying chronic disease leading to poor lung function. He required oxygen therapy and inotropic support.
In the afternoon of October 19, the attending doctor explained to the patient and his family on high risk of deterioration. The patient agreed for Do-Not-Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) when his condition continued to deteriorate and in the last stage. He was calm at that moment.
At 6.03 pm on the same day, a nurse found the patient lying on the toilet floor inside the isolation room with the shower hose around his neck. He showed no signs of life. As it was not caused by his underlying disease, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was performed immediately but in vain. The patient was certified death. The hospital reported the incident to the Police for investigation.
The hospital was saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the patient. Necessary assistance would be provided as and when required.
The hospital is very concerned about the incident which was categorized as a Sentinel Event. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to look into the incident. Recommendations will be proposed by this panel to prevent the future occurrence of similar incident. The report will be submitted to the Hospital Authority within eight weeks. The incident has also been reported to the Coroner.
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