Prince of Wales Hospital announces sentinel event

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) made the following announcement today (March 9) regarding a sentinel event:

     An 81-year-old male patient, who had multiple chronic diseases and required long-term use of oral hydrocortisone, attended the Accident and Emergency Department of PWH due to decreased response and syncope on March 1. Examinations indicated that the patient had hypotension and lung infection and the patient was admitted to a medical ward. The doctor prescribed hydrocortisone via intravenous injection according to the patient's clinical condition. As the patient condition had improved, the doctor adjusted the dosage on March 3. On the morning of March 4, prescription of hydrocortisone via intravenous injection was stopped but prescription of oral hydrocortisone was not resumed. The patient's blood pressure had remained stable but became undetectable on March 5 at 7.05pm. The doctor immediately performed resuscitation, but the patient finally succumbed at 7.33pm.

     The hospital is deeply saddened by the passing away of the patient. The hopsital has contacted the patient's family to explain the incident and extended sincere apologies and condolences. The hospital will continue to keep in contact with the family to offer all possible assistance.

     The incident has been reported to the Coroner and the hospital will assist in the investigation.

     The hospital is very concerned about the incident, which has been classified as a sentinel event and reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to look into the incident and propose recommendations.