Hong Kong doctor not guilty of misconduct over patient’s claim she kept money meant for specialist treatment
Consultant at United Christian Hospital cleared of misconduct in public office despite magistrate questioning her behaviour in episode
A Hong Kong public hospital consultant accused of taking HK$3,200 (US$410) from a patient for the purchase of medical equipment has been found not guilty of misconduct in public office.
Dr Choi Chi-yee, 44, left Kwun Tong Court on Monday after Magistrate Chu Chung-keung found her conduct, though suspicious, did not amount to serious misconduct since there was no evidence she pocketed the money.
The case centred on Choi’s dealings with a 30-year-old patient surnamed So, who sought help from United Christian Hospital over her keloid scars.
So told the court she had changed into robes ready for the surgical removal of the scars on February 11, 2016 when Choi, an associate consultant, suggested she pay HK$3,200 for Cryoshape treatment instead.
Prosecutors alleged Choi then falsely represented to So that she would arrange for the delivery of the medical equipment and help pass on the payment to the supplier, but she kept the money instead.