Tuen Mun Hospital announced a patient fatal incident

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) announced a patient fatal incident today (June 26):

     A 75-year-old male patient with end stage renal failure complained to the staff of Medical Rehabilitation Ward last Saturday (June 23) that a hard object was inserted into his anus during shower. The patient's condition was found deteriorated subsequently. On-call doctor was arranged to perform clinical examination for the patient, followed by a colonoscopy examination by surgeon and physician. It was confirmed that an ulcer of around 2 centimetres in length was found in his rectum. The wound was being treated accordingly. However, the patient's condition continued to deteriorate. Computed Tomography examination was arranged and indicated that the patient's rectum had a perforation. An urgent operation was recommended to but was declined by the patient. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and eventually succumbed on the following night (June 24).

     The management of TMH received notification yesterday and was highly concerned towards the incident. An internal investigation was conducted immediately. After communicating with the patient's relatives, TMH decided to report the case to the police. TMH will fully cooperate with the police to facilitate the investigation.

     TMH expresses deep condolences to the patient's relatives, while the Patient Relations Officer will render necessary support to the relatives.  TMH has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office and referred the case to the Coroner for follow up.