Probe launched after man found dead on stretcher in Hong Kong hospital waiting area
- The 63-year-old, who suffered from chronic illnesses, arrived at Kwong Wah Hospital A&E last Friday after visiting clinic over cough, bloodstained sputum
- Staff were unable to locate the patient by calling his name in the waiting area at 10.30pm and 2am. An employee found him at 5am unresponsive on stretcher
A middle-aged man admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital’s accident and emergency department was found dead on a stretcher in a waiting area last week, Hong Kong authorities revealed on Friday, adding that the incident would be investigated.
According to the hospital in Yau Ma Tei, the 63-year-old, who suffered from chronic illnesses, arrived at A&E at 3pm last Friday after visiting a specialist outpatient clinic complaining of a cough and bloodstained sputum.
Three hours later, accompanied by family members, the man was placed in a waiting area ahead of admission to a medical ward.
Staff were unable to locate the patient by calling his name in the waiting area at 10.30pm and 2am. At about 5am, a staff member found him unresponsive and with no pulse on a stretcher in the waiting area. He was certified dead around 17 minutes later.
In a statement issued by the Hospital Authority on Friday evening, Kwong Wah expressed its condolences to the family and offered its help.