The scalding of a three-month-old boy at Princess Margaret Hospital was due to a nurse's mistake, an investigation panel has found.

Releasing the probe's findings this afternoon, panel chairman Dr Li Chi-kong said the child suffered second-degree burns after being placed in a bath by the nurse. Although there is no record of the water temperature, he said it was hot enough to cause the injuries.

"The nurse only tested the water temperature with her hand and had not followed stipulated guidelines to test the water temperature with her elbow. The panel concluded this was an improper practice."

Upgrades urged

The panel recommended the hospital ensure bath thermometers be used to check water temperature for sensitive patients like babies, and suggested the installation of temperature-limiting devices in taps. It also called for strengthened checks on staff compliance with nursing rules.

Accepting the panel's findings and recommendations, the hospital's chief executive Dr Tung Sau-ying said the nurse will be disciplined for not following standard nursing practice.

"Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with the Hospital Authority's human resources policy. The nurse is on leave. Upon resumption of duties, she will be deployed away from the paediatric ward to another post which does not involve direct patient care. Coaching will be given and the hospital will closely monitor her performance."

She said the hospital will immediately implement the panel's recommendations and other improvement measures, adding it is discussing liability issues with the child's parents. Dr Tung met them this afternoon to explain the panel's findings and apologised to them. She said the baby is making a good recovery and will be discharged soon.

Professionalism priority

Acting Secretary for Food & Health Prof Gabriel Leung urged healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and deliver quality services with care and compassion.

"Human error was mainly responsible for this incident. The Hospital Authority and hospital management should thoroughly study the report and improve staff training and supervision to prevent [a] recurrence.

"Public confidence in the authority's services will no doubt be affected as a result of the incident. However, I am sure all HA colleagues will continue to discharge their duties professionally, and with devotion and dedication in best serving the public."