Hospital under probe again following death of elderly woman

The Judiciary Police (PJ) launched an investigation into the sudden death of a 78-year-old woman at Conde São Januário hospital (CHCSJ), just a few weeks after the death of a baby boy prompted a similar probe.
According to a statement issued by the Health Bureau (SSM), the patient’s family has requested that police authorities launch an enquiry into her death, hoping that an investigation could shed some light on the cause.
According to SSM, she sought treatment at Conde São Januário hospital on March 6 for “a minor stroke.” The woman was admitted to the hospital for further medical treatment after a diagnosis by the emergency room’s neurologist. The doctor overseeing her case on March 9 determined the patient’s condition to be stable and discussed discharge procedures with her family.
The SSM reiterated that the patient’s clinical condition remained stable until March 9 at 5pm, adding that the woman “had always remained conscious” upon admission to the hospital.
However, her condition “suddenly worsened significantly at 5.13pm.” A cardiac monitor revealed that the patient was suffering from a slow heart rate. The SSM said that emergency treatment was provided, adding that medical staff performed CPR for about an hour. However, the patient did not recover.
SSM stressed that when medical staff learned of the patient’s deteriorating condition, they informed her family. “After the sudden death of this patient, the SSM and the CHCSJ sincerely expresses its condolences to the family.”
The family has asked the PJ to reassess the patient’s cause of death. The Health Bureau said it is available to assist the PJ’s investigation, and added that the hospital would be awaiting their reports.
Police authorities also launched a probe into the death of a five-month-old baby boy who died last month after taking medication prescribed at Macau’s public hospital. The baby’s parents also filed a complaint with the PJ.
The baby was brought to the hospital on February 19 after regurgitating milk. He was allegedly prescribed antiemetic Domperidona and the anti-allergy medicine Dimetindeno. The baby, who suffered from favism (a genetic disorder triggered by the lack of a specific enzyme) and a minor heart problem, was sent home. However, his condition quickly worsened.
Upon the boy’s return to the hospital, two doctors issued a notice of critical condition, stating that the boy was suffering from dehydration, shock and sepsis. He was pronounced dead at 7.45pm.
The baby’s family has questioned whether the hospital’s treatment was appropriate. SSM is investigating the case internally.   CP