HA statement on violations of patient privacy on improper social media post
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to a series of recent incidents involving staff working in public hospitals posting clinical images or patient information on social media, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson issued the following statement:
The Hospital Authority (HA), Photo by Bastille Post
As a provider of public healthcare services, the HA requires all staff to strictly adhere to professional codes of conduct, uphold integrity, and observe the principle of safeguarding patients' rights and privacy. Leakage of patient privacy by staff in any form will not be tolerated. The HA deeply regrets any suspected disregard for patient privacy by its staff.
Upon receiving a public complaint on April 10, Princess Margaret Hospital immediately reviewed the incident and conducted investigation. The staff member involved is a medical intern in the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital. The HA has discussed the matter with the university to which the intern belongs. The intern's duties will be suspended in the interim, and the individual will be temporarily on leave starting tomorrow.
The HA has consistently provided training on patient privacy protection for its staff and medical interns. Medical students and interns are also required to complete patient privacy training and sign a confidentiality agreement before being granted access to the Clinical Management System.
Should any staff member be found to have violated the regulations, the HA will strictly follow up the matter and handle it in accordance with established personnel procedures. Case concerned will be referred to the Medical Council where necessary, in order to demonstrate the HA's commitment to protecting patient privacy.
The HA expressed its serious concern that healthcare staff, when using social media, must at all times be guided by a spirit of professionalism, and above all, place the best interests of patients as their foremost consideration, thereby upholding their responsibility to protect patient privacy.
Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected infringing jewellery at fair booths
Hong Kong Customs today (September 20) conducted an enforcement operation at the JGW September (Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong September) being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, seizing about 27 items of suspected infringing jewellery with a total estimated market value of about $160,000.
Customs received information alleging that infringing jewellery were displayed for sale at some booths at the JGW September which lasted for five consecutive days starting from September 16.
After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers today seized 24 items of suspected infringing jewellery from a booth. Customs officers also conducted premises search at an associated company located at Hung Hom, further seizing three items of suspected infringing jewellery.
During the operation, one man and one woman, aged between 47 and 65, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. One of them is the person-in-charge and one of them is a staff member. An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs attaches great importance to combating counterfeiting and infringing activities and will deploy officers to different exhibitions to conduct inspections from time to time. Customs will contact the relevant trademark or copyright owners immediately to confirm the authenticity of the goods when suspected counterfeit or infringing goods are found. The department will also take enforcement action after investigations and with the assistance of the trademark or copyright owners.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit and infringing goods.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale an infringing copy of a copyright work commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 for each piece of infringing goods and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected infringing jewellery at fair booths Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
