An 84-year-old male patient with cancer at Ruttonjee Hospital died following being rescued following being found with a plastic bag over his head. The hospital has reported to the police for investigation, and the case will be referred to the coroner for follow-up.
The hospital said that the patient was admitted to the internal medicine and geriatric ward on the 9th of this month due to shortness of breath and bone pain. After evaluation, the patient was initially diagnosed with metastatic cancer. The medical staff assessed the patient’s clinical condition and emotional stability. When the medical staff inspected the ward at regarding 6:30 this morning, the patient was resting in bed, and there was no abnormality. At regarding 7 am, the patient was found to have a plastic bag on his head, so he immediately removed the plastic bag for the patient and performed first aid, and informed his family regarding the situation. The patient passed away at 7 am following rescue.
Ruttonjee Hospital is saddened by the incident and extends its deepest condolences to the family. It will try its best to provide assistance to the family and cooperate with the police investigation. The hospital also said that it is very concerned regarding the case and has reported it to the HA through the early incident notification system, and will set up a root cause analysis committee to investigate the incident.