KWC updates on patient case who developed cardiac arrest after suturing procedure
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
​Regarding an event of a patient developed cardiac arrest after suturing procedure, the spokesman for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (May 31):
KWC understands that the patient's family is concerned about the cause of the event. The Cluster will continue to maintain close communication, explain the event and render all necessary assistance to the family. It is acknowledged that the family has reported the event to the police. KWC will fully co-operate with the police in the investigation.
KWC is very concerned about the event. As the event is rare, the Cluster has invited Paediatric and Accident & Emergency experts to review the event, including the workflow of suturing procedure. The Cluster has also arranged rare disease testing for the patient. Genetic sequencing is underway to identify if the cause of the event is related to rare diseases.
According to the record, the nurse from Yan Chai Hospital assessed the patient's wound prior to the wound suturing procedure, while the patient care assistant settled and stabilised the patient. The patient underwent wound suture in a prone position with her head faced right.
The patient concerned is still being treated in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital in critical condition. The clinical team will continue to monitor the patient's condition and will make every effort to provide appropriate treatment to the patient.