YCH announces an incident of inpatient baby being scalded

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) made the following announcement today (February 28) regarding an incident of injury of an infant inpatient:

     The incident took place on February 21, when a 16-month-old baby girl, an inpatient in the Department of Paediatrics of YCH, was bathed by staff.  The baby started to cry when being put into water and was promptly taken out from water. Two other staff members entered the bathroom and redness was noted over the patient's lower trunk and lower limbs. The affected body areas were immediately cooled down for pain relief while paediatrician and wound care nurse specialist were informed. Having examined the clinical situation of the patient, the paediatrician further consulted with the surgical team. Meanwhile, wound care nurse specialist also offered wound treatment. The surgical team at Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) was consulted for further treatment.

     The paediatrician and ward manager met the parents of the patient in the afternoon on the same day to explain the incident and extend an apology. With parent's consent, the patient was escorted to the Paediatric Surgery Department of QMH for further specialised treatment in the afternoon on the same day. The patient is now remains hospitalised and in stable condition and progressively recovering. The hospital will work with the Paediatric Surgery Department of QMH to follow up the condition of the patient and render the assistance as required.

     The hospital is very concerned about the incident and has reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to look into the incident and make appropriate recommendations to prevent recurrence of similar incidents. The investigation report will be submitted to the Head Office in eight weeks.