Viral clip sparks debate on professionalism at Queen Mary Hospital nurses' station

A 12-second video showing medical staff playfully squirting water with a syringe-like object at a suspected Queen Mary Hospital nurses' station has gone viral on social media, prompting calls for an investigation.

The footage, which surfaced recently, depicts five personnel in what appears to be a ward's central station area, with three in medical uniforms. 

The shooter targets a black-shirted man before panning to the surroundings.

After the poster shared it on their account, backlash led to its deletion, but copies proliferated, enabling netizens to deduce the location as Queen Mary Hospital's K20N internal medicine ward from visual clues and linked posts.

Legislative councilor Rebecca Chan Hoi-yan urged the Hospital Authority to probe the incident's timing, site, and whether participants were on duty. 

She criticized such antics in patient-facing areas, where noise might disrupt rest or foster feelings of neglect, insisting relaxation belongs in designated staff rooms.

Chan emphasized the authority's duty to clarify findings publicly.

Public reactions varied widely. 

Critics highlighted risks like slippery floors from water, potential syringe misuse wasting taxpayer resources, and erosion of professional image in uniforms. 

They questioned whether hospital equipment was involved, deeming it irresponsible.

Defenders argued that high-stress public hospital shifts warrant brief fun during downtime, are harmless without patient oversight, and are not indicative of negligence.

Others have balanced views, acknowledging pressure relief needs but stressing accountability to patients.

Queen Mary Hospital issued a statement confirming inappropriate behavior by several staff members at a nurses' station during midnight hours.

The hospital views the matter seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation, promising strict disciplinary action under personnel procedures.

It described the event as isolated, with no effect on ward services or patient safety.

Staff received immediate reminders to maintain professional standards and patient care responsibilities at all times.

The hospital reiterated its commitment to employee discipline and adherence to conduct codes to preserve public confidence in healthcare professionals.