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Wednesday, May 08, 2024
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Perjury probe in toddler death case
A pediatrician and three nurses are suspected of giving false testimonies during an inquest into the death of a two-year-old boy.
The five-strong jury - made up of three men and two women - yesterday unanimously returned a verdict of misadventure in the 2016 death of a boy after receiving nebulizer treatment at Andy Leung Yam-kee's clinic.
Coroner Stanley Ho Chun-yiu referred the case to the police for investigation.
The jury does not accept the testimonies or documents provided by the four medics, Ho said, adding that the police will now investigate whether the four had given false testimonies, provided false instruments or perverted the course of justice.
The coroner's court earlier heard that the boy, Chan Ka-yi, was taken to Leung's Kwun Tong clinic by his father, Chan Tat-tung, on December 16, 2016, after exhibiting cold symptoms.
Ka-yi's condition deteriorated rapidly after receiving nebulizer treatment - a form of therapy that allows patients to inhale atomized medicine. He was subsequently rushed to United Christian Hospital but passed away that day.
The father had testified that he was informed over the phone by an assistant nurse, Lam Yik-sze, that the clinic offers nebulizer treatment. Although Lam denied this in court, the jury said Tat-tung's version of events was more credible.
Leung failed to realize the severity of Ka-yi's condition and did not call for an ambulance at an early stage like he claimed he had, the jury said, adding the ambulance was only called when the boy's pulse stopped. The jury went on to say Leung neglected to suggest other medical treatments before arranging for Ka-yi to receive nebulizer therapy.
The jury believes Ka-yi died of pneumonia, empyema and sepsis.
Tat-tung said outside court yesterday that while he was furious with the medics for lying, he was satisfied with the verdict.
However, he said he "will never forgive" himself for bringing his son to the clinic.
Leung's claim that he had recommended hospitalization for Ka-yi was pure fabrication, Tat-tung said, adding Leung had spent less than two minutes checking his son and never mentioned hospitalization.
Tat-tung said he will lodge a complaint with the Medical Council of Hong Kong and seriously consider bringing a civil suit against Leung and the clinic.
Coroner Stanley Ho Chun-yiu referred the case to the police for investigation.
The jury does not accept the testimonies or documents provided by the four medics, Ho said, adding that the police will now investigate whether the four had given false testimonies, provided false instruments or perverted the course of justice.
The coroner's court earlier heard that the boy, Chan Ka-yi, was taken to Leung's Kwun Tong clinic by his father, Chan Tat-tung, on December 16, 2016, after exhibiting cold symptoms.
Ka-yi's condition deteriorated rapidly after receiving nebulizer treatment - a form of therapy that allows patients to inhale atomized medicine. He was subsequently rushed to United Christian Hospital but passed away that day.
The father had testified that he was informed over the phone by an assistant nurse, Lam Yik-sze, that the clinic offers nebulizer treatment. Although Lam denied this in court, the jury said Tat-tung's version of events was more credible.
Leung failed to realize the severity of Ka-yi's condition and did not call for an ambulance at an early stage like he claimed he had, the jury said, adding the ambulance was only called when the boy's pulse stopped. The jury went on to say Leung neglected to suggest other medical treatments before arranging for Ka-yi to receive nebulizer therapy.
The jury believes Ka-yi died of pneumonia, empyema and sepsis.
Tat-tung said outside court yesterday that while he was furious with the medics for lying, he was satisfied with the verdict.
However, he said he "will never forgive" himself for bringing his son to the clinic.
Leung's claim that he had recommended hospitalization for Ka-yi was pure fabrication, Tat-tung said, adding Leung had spent less than two minutes checking his son and never mentioned hospitalization.
Tat-tung said he will lodge a complaint with the Medical Council of Hong Kong and seriously consider bringing a civil suit against Leung and the clinic.
