The Department of Health today said it is looking into a water seepage incident in an operating theatre during surgery at the CUHK Medical Centre.
It was noted that the hospital was conducting a patient’s eye surgery on March 10 and towards the end of the operation, water started dripping from the ceiling at the end of the operating table.
Hospital staff immediately used a cloth to stop the dripping while also covering the patient’s head and surgical instruments with a sterile surgical drape.
The surgery was completed uneventfully. The patient’s condition has been stable and no complications have been reported.
The hospital has suspended the use of the operating theatre in question and identified the source of the water seepage. Repair work has been carried out.
While the incident is not a reportable event under the Code of Practice for Private Hospitals, the Department of Health has, for the sake of prudence, requested the hospital to submit an investigation report.
After assessing the investigation findings and the actions taken by the hospital, the department will take appropriate follow-up action with a view to preventing recurrence and enhancing the protection of patient safety.
