Hong Kong hospital nurse injured by electric shock from faulty drug dispenser, with device inspection uncovering ‘unusual damage’
- Nurse receiving treatment for numb arm but in stable condition, hospital says, while incident has been reported to police
- Recent spate of incidents at public hospitals have involved faulty equipment or falling debris, and health authorities have pushed ahead with citywide safety inspections
A nurse was injured by an electric shock from a faulty drug distribution trolley at a Hong Kong hospital on Sunday, and staff reported the incident to police after a check of the device uncovered “unusual damage”.
The nurse was distributing medicine at Yuen Long’s Pok Oi Hospital when she received the electric shock, which was caused by a damaged computer power cable connected to the device, a spokesman for the facility said.
The hospital employee was being treated for loss of sensation in her arm but was in stable condition, he added.
According to the spokesman, the incident was reported to police after an inspection of the trolley found “unusual damage”.
“The hospital will fully cooperate in the investigation,” he said. “The hospital will take all practicable measures, including conducting inspections on other drug trolleys, to ensure the safety of patients and staff members.”
Police on Monday night said an initial investigation found the no criminal element was involved. In a reply to media inquiries, the force said: “After initial investigation, it is believed that the incident does not involve any criminal element. The case has been classified as ‘property found to be damaged’.”
The hospital’s management expressed their sympathies for the injured nurse, who they said was receiving all the necessary care and support available.
