Hong Kong – Tuen Mun Hospital announces a sentinel event

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The spokesman for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) announces a sentinel event today (July 11):
      
     A-69-year old female patient admitted after a fall accident to an Orthopaedics and Traumatology ward on July 7. Her condition has been stable during hospitalisation. During a regular ward patrol at around 1.00am this morning, a ward staff noted that the patient’s face was covered by a pillow with tissue paper in her oral cavity. Resuscitation was performed and patient’s family was informed immediately. The patient was certified dead at 2.55am. TMH reported the case to the police and the case has been referred to the Coroner for follow-up.
      
     TMH is deeply saddened by the incident and has expressed condolences and offered necessary assistance to the family. The hospital will fully cooperate with police investigation . The incident has been reported 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 and the report will be submitted in eight weeks.