Kwong Wah Hospital announces incident of delayed follow-up investigation report

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) today (September 21) announced an incident of delayed follow-up of investigation report as follows:
 
     A 53-year-old male patient was injured and admitted to the orthopaedics and traumatology (O&T) ward of KWH for treatment on September 15, 2017. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) were arranged on the same day. The results showed that the patient had a left scapula fracture. The patient was treated and discharged on September 16, 2017. He was given a follow-up at the KWH O&T Specialist Out-patient clinic on October 3 and November 14 of the same year.
 
     On August 10, 2018, the patient was admitted to the Medicine and Geriatrics ward of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for severe dizziness and dehydration. During his hospitalisation, joint consultation with oncologist and further examination were arranged for the patient. On September 7, the oncologist at the Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOPC) reviewed all the medical reports of the patient, including the report of the CT examination performed in KWH in 2017. The oncologist noted that, in addition to the findings on the left scapula fracture, a right upper lobe nodule was also reported but no further investigation had been arranged. PMH conveyed the findings to the KWH O&T team immediately.
 
     KWH met the patient and his family to explain the incident. An apology was extended and necessary support will be rendered to the patient and his family. The patient is being followed-up by the PMH Oncology Department and has commenced targeted therapy.
 
     KWH has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) via the Advance Incident Reporting System. An investigation panel will be formed and the report is to be submitted to HAHO in eight weeks. Subsequent to the incident, healthcare staff have been reminded to prudently review patients' investigation results with clear documentation and timely follow-up arrangements as required.