Hong Kong hospital worker warned after patient fell out of wheelchair
Shatin Hospital contract worker was moving two wheelchair-bound patients at the same time; his action will be taken into account in contract renewal
A Shatin Hospital worker was found to have violated guidelines when an 87-year-old patient fell from his wheelchair as he and another patient – also in a wheelchair - were being escorted at the same time.
A spokesman for the hospital said the worker was issued a written warning and reminded of the need to ensure safety while moving patients . The incident was documented and will be taken into account in renewing the employee’s contract.
The back and head of the male patient from the medicine and geriatrics ward hit the ground when the wheelchair he was in fell backwards. His condition was described as stable.
The accident happened at around 2pm on June 20, when the man was being escorted by an outsourced contract worker from the ward to the physiotherapy department.
Doctors immediately checked the patient, who was conscious and suffered no apparent injuries. The patient was transferred with his family’s consent to Prince of Wales Hospital for further checks.
