September 8, 1998
The Department of Health confirmed today that it received in the early afternoon a copy of report compiled by the Independent Investigation Committee appointed by the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital to look into the medical incident which occurred in the renal dialysis unit on August 20 this year.
While the Department thanked the Committee for its detailed report, it was still awaiting for the Hospital's comment on the report, expected in the next few days, before all the findings and recommendations could be examined together in detail.
In the meantime, the independent investigation conducted by the Government is continuing.
A spokesman for the Department said subsequent to the incident, the Department had taken actions to remind public hospitals, private hospitals, private renal dialysis centres and doctors providing renal dialysis service to follow operating instructions issued by the manufacturer with respect to disinfection and rinsing of the haemodialysis water purification system.
He added that in case of doubt, the manufacturer should be consulted.
As instructed by the Department of Health, the HK Sanatorium and Hospital would continue to suspend operation of the renal dialysis unit in question.