A case of fatal postpartum haemorrhage in a private hospital

The Department of Health (DH) today (March 8) received notification of a case of fatal postpartum haemorrhage in a private hospital.

The woman was admitted to Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (HKBH) on March 2 for elective Caesarean session on the next day. After she had delivered a baby on March 3, postpartum haemorrhage immediately occurred. Hysterectomy was then performed. The patient was transferred to Intensive Care Unit for further management.

HKBH notified DH about the case of massive postpartum haemorrhage on March 4.

DH started investigation upon receipt of the notification. Initial investigation revealed that the patient was attended to by the obstetrician throughout the whole duration.

The patient finally succumbed on March 7. The case was referred to the Coroner for investigation.

A DH spokesman expressed regret over the incident. "DH will follow up on the Coroner's investigation," he said.

Ends/Monday, March 8, 2010