The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
​The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) announced a sentinel event today (January 8):
A 90-year-old male patient with chronic illness was admitted to a medical ward of PYNEH on December 24 last year due to heart disease. He was in isolation since January 6 this year due to a skin infection. The patient was not at risk of suicidal thoughts during admission screening, and his clinical condition was stable all along.
During the ward round at 11.30pm last night, the patient appeared calm without any abnormality. At 0.20am today, the patient was found unconscious, sitting on the floor bedside, with patient pajamas wrapped around his neck. Healthcare staff performed resuscitation for the patient immediately, informed the patient's family and reported the incident to the Police. The patient was certified dead at 2.26am.
The hospital is very concerned and saddened by the incident. The hospital expressed deep condolences to the patient's family, and will provide necessary assistance to them and co-operate with the Police during the investigation.
The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis investigation will be conducted to look into the incident. The incident has been referred to the coroner.
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