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.

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food:

     Celebrity chefs will provide live demonstrations of how to cook dishes low in salt and sugar at the upcoming Food Expo. They will show you that food cooked with less salt and sugar does not have to be bland. There are many ways to cook delicious and healthy dishes, be they Chinese, Western or Asian cuisine.

     This year, the Food and Health Bureau, the Committee on Reduction of Salt and Sugar in Food and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have again invited celebrity chefs and a noted blogger to demonstrate cooking with less salt and sugar, with a view to promoting the culture of a low-salt-and-sugar diet. The cooking demonstrations will be held at the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone Star Kitchen (Hall 3B, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre). Details are as follows:

Cooking Demo:      Vegan Way of Western Thai
Date:                    August 16 (Thursday)
Time:                   12.30pm to 1.15pm
Chef:                    Bonnie Yves

Cooking Demo:      Master Wong and His Canton Kitchen
Date:                    August 16 (Thursday)
Time:                    5.30pm to 6.15pm
Chef:                    Wong Wing-keung

Cooking Demo:      The French Extravaganza
Date:                    August 17 (Friday)
Time:                    12.30pm to 1.15pm
Chef:                     Edward Voon

Cooking Demo:      Simon's Homemade Cookbook
Date:                    August 19 (Sunday)
Time:                    5.30pm to 6.15pm
Chef:                    Simon Yam

     In addition, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's Centre for Food Safety (CFS) will hold a seminar entitled "Hong Kong's Action on Salt and Sugar Reduction" at the Food Expo's Entertainment Stage (Hall 3E, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) from 1pm to 2pm on August 16.

     The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt daily (i.e. slightly less than one level teaspoon of salt). Also, WHO recommends that free sugar should make up less than 10 per cent of the total energy intake per day for both adults and children. This translates into fewer than 50 grams of free sugar (i.e. about 10 sugar cubes) per day for a person with a daily dietary intake of 2,000 kilocalories.

     Excessive intake of salt and sugar leads to obesity and dental caries, and enhances the risks of chronic diseases such as hypertension, stroke and coronary heart diseases. Changing our dietary habits helps to reduce the amount of salt and sugar intake. For example, we may reduce adding salt or sodium-containing seasonings to our food, use natural ingredients to replace seasonings and sauces that are high in salt, and go for fruits, sugar-free soft drinks, tea and drinking water instead of food and drinks with excessive sugar.

     Information on reduction of salt and sugar and healthy diet is available in the designated Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HongKongsActiononSaltandSugarsReduction/) or Instagram page (www.instagram.com/hkassr/) of CFS.

     For information on the Food Expo and admission details, please visit the HKTDC's webpage: event.hktdc.com/fair/hkfoodexpo-en/HKTDC-Food-Expo/.

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 Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.