A 5-year-old girl, Lai Sum-yuet, who suffered a cardiac arrest following a stitching procedure at Yan Chai Hospital last May, passed away early this morning (Feb. 5) at Princess Margaret Hospital, according to sources. The incident had left her in critical condition for over eight months.

The tragedy occurred on May 25, 2024, when the then-4-year-old Sum-yuet was taken to Yan Chai Hospital's emergency department after falling and injuring the back of her head. Accompanied by her father, she was transported by ambulance. Initial examinations revealed a 2-centimeter wound on the back of her head and a slight fever. No abnormalities were found in her chest or skull.

Medical staff determined that the wound required three stitches. A nurse and a patient care assistant handled the procedure. As the girl struggled and cried during the process, she was secured on a fixation board, with the assistant holding her head. The stitching was completed within three minutes. While Sum-yuet cried during the first stitch, she suddenly lost consciousness and her pulse. Medical staff managed to resuscitate her about 18 minutes later, at 11:29 p.m. She was then transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Subsequent examinations revealed that Sum-yuet had no prior history of heart disease, and tests such as electrocardiograms and ultrasounds returned normal results. Genetic testing also showed no underlying conditions that might have triggered the incident.

Earlier this week, on Feb. 3, the nurse and patient care assistant involved in the incident were charged with ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person. The case was heard at Sha Tin Magistrates' Court and has been adjourned to March 17 at Eastern Magistrates' Court for further proceedings.

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