"HA Risk Alert" latest issue published
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The 81st issue of "HA Risk Alert" was published today (April 24) by the Hospital Authority (HA) as a risk management and communication initiative to further strengthen the reporting and monitoring of clinical incidents and enhance safety in public hospitals.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 (October to December), there were eight sentinel events reported, comprising six cases of retained instrument/material after surgery/interventional procedure, one case of inpatient suicide and one case of surgery/interventional procedure involving the wrong body part. Moreover, of the 16 reported serious untoward events, there were 15 related to medication errors and one related to patient misidentification.
"Subsequent to the incident reviews and analyses of the root causes of these incidents, important lessons for patient safety have been identified, while recommendations are made and shared in this publication to avoid similar events in the future," the HA spokesperson said.
The HA Head Office has released the latest "HA Risk Alert" to all staff. It can also be accessed by the public at www.ha.org.hk/riskalert. "HA Risk Alert" is published on a quarterly basis and posted on the HA website in January, April, July and October. The next issue is scheduled for July 2026.
Source: AI-found images
Man sentenced to four months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (April 24) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to four months' imprisonment for illegally importing 52 800 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 23) that 52 800 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from the Chinese Mainland. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 24 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-seven persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to eight months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
Source: AI-found images
