Operating Theatre Light Falls, Hits Hospital Staff

Non-urgent surgeries at some public hospitals may be postponed because operating theatre lights will be inspected, after one of them at United Christian Hospital fell on Saturday.

An anaesthetic assistant was hit on the shoulder and was later discharged after checkup. There were no patients present when the light fell.

The Hospital Authority said on Sunday it is very concerned about the case and has told all hospitals to avoid using lights of the same model, adding contractors will be checking them at 29 operating theatres to ensure safety.

It said a maintenance contractor’s initial findings found problems with the light's screws, and workers will replace five lights of the same model as soon as possible after finding similar issues.

The authority said checks at other public hospitals are expected to take a few days, and it has demanded a detailed probe and a report from the contractor.

It says emergency surgeries will not be affected, but some non-urgent surgeries may be postponed and affected patients will be notified as soon as possible.