Hong Kong doctor testifies in case of boy left disabled 16 years ago
Dr. Sit Sou-chi denies allegations of medical negligence, citing initial diagnosis of choking
Quick Look
- Sit Sou-chi is testifying before the Medical Council regarding a 2009 incident where a newborn suffered permanent disabilities.
- The doctor claims he did not immediately examine the infant because he believed the emergency was a minor choking case.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The case involves a 16-year-old allegation of medical negligence resulting in a child suffering from cerebral palsy and quadriplegia.
A Hong Kong doctor accused of a blunder that left a boy permanently disabled 16 years ago said he did not return to the hospital to examine the infant immediately as he initially diagnosed the emergency as a choking case, the Medical Council heard on Sunday.
Testifying for the first time at the hearing, Dr. Sit Sou-chi contested an allegation that he had failed to conduct all necessary and immediate investigations of newborn Li Yuanjian, the son of a mainland Chinese couple, after the infant had a seizure on December 22, 2009, at Baptist Hospital.
The child was left with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia, unable to care for himself for life.
Sit said he was first notified of the child’s condition at 4.30am by nurse Ho Kit-ha, who called him while he was sleeping.
He said Ho told him the baby had slightly choked on milk and his limbs had stiffened about an hour ago. But the boy was stabilised in 15 seconds after the nurse suctioned milk from his airway, the doctor said. The infant then remained stable, he added.
Sit claimed the nurse also said the baby was “OK and no problem” before 3.30am.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Medical Council will continue to hear testimonies from other involved staff.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What were the official findings of the initial medical investigation?
- How does the nurse's account compare to the doctor's testimony?
