The Department of Health (DH) today (March 20) announced that it has cancelled the licence of a day procedure centre (DPC), Dr MD Clinic and Ambulatory Centre, in Causeway Bay.
In view of the potential risks to patients arising from the multiple serious breaches of the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres, the DH suspended the licence of the DPC concerned earlier this month and simultaneously initiated the procedure for cancellation of its licence. The DH has considered the licensee's representation. In accordance with the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633), the statutory period of notification lapsed today, and the Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities of the DH had published the information on its website. With immediate effect, the DPC is not allowed to provide specialised services including surgical and anaesthetic procedures.
Upon receipt of a complaint about the suspected mishandling of medical equipment by the DPC concerned, the DH immediately investigated and conducted unannounced inspections. During the inspections, the DPC was found to have contravened the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, namely improper handling and management of an anaesthetic drug, failure to properly sterilise medical equipment, and inadequate staff training and supervision. In addition, the DPC was suspected to have filled in false information in the checking and monitoring of records, including those concerning medical equipment.
The DH will continue to closely monitor licensed private healthcare facilities to protect patient safety.
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