The Hospital Authority has reported a suspected case of forged calibration certificates for vibration monitoring equipment to police and ordered a subcontractor's work suspended.
The incident involves certificates submitted by subcontractor Novox Limited to the main contractor, China Railway Construction Group Limited, for the expansion project of Princess Margaret Hospital's Lai King Building. After verification, the HA confirmed the certificates were not issued by the calibration company named on the documents.
The authority has reported the case to police and instructed the main contractor to investigate. It has also demanded the main contractor suspend Novox's work and reserves all legal rights regarding the contract breach.
Novox is also involved in vibration monitoring works at four other hospitals: Kwong Wah Hospital, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, Grantham Hospital and North District Hospital. The HA stated it will thoroughly review all hospital projects involving Novox and all related test certificates received so far, adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud.
The HA was first notified on October 27 by North Micro Sensor Technology, a subcontractor providing vibration monitoring equipment and calibration services to Novox, that their contract had been terminated. Following media inquiries on November 18, the HA prudently verified the authenticity of five calibration certificates submitted by the main contractor on November 15 with the named testing institution. On December 8, confirmation was received that the institution did not issue the certificates, suggesting they were forged.
The HA emphasized that vibration monitors are preventive measures, and main contractors currently continue to use handheld devices for monitoring. The authority closely monitors feedback from hospital users and will suspend works if vibrations affect services. No reports of service suspensions due to vibrations have been received in the past six months.
A preliminary assessment indicates no impact on medical services or patient safety. The HA stated it takes safety and management of hospital projects seriously, with contracts specifying acceptable vibration levels. The authority will fully investigate the project, re-verify monitoring data and upload processes.
