Causeway Bay med center suspended for 'mishandling gear'

Cheng Wong

A medical center in Causeway Bay has had its license suspended by the Department of Health for mishandling medical equipment.

The DH said it received a complaint regarding a suspected mishandling of medical equipment at the Dr MD Clinic and Ambulatory Centre at the World Trade Centre in Causeway Bay earlier.

It immediately conducted unannounced inspections and found violations of the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres, including improper handling of anesthetic drugs, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and insufficient staff training and supervision. The center was also suspected of filing false information in the checking and monitoring of records, including those related to medical equipment.

"Given the potential risks to patients of the multiple serious breaches of the Code of Practice, and in order to protect the public interest, the DH announced the suspension of the center's license with immediate effect," a DH spokesman said, adding that the center will not be permitted to provide any specialized services listed on its license, including surgical and anesthetic procedures.

The DH has begun the process of canceling the center's license. If sufficient evidence is found, it will refer the case to the relevant enforcement or regulatory bodies for follow-up action regarding the suspected use of a false instrument and professional misconduct by the person involved.

The spokesman cautioned those who underwent anesthetic procedures including tumescent anesthesia at the center to seek urgent medical attention if they feel unwell.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com