A patient admitted for day surgery for a minor nose disorder had slipped into a coma for 4 years after undergoing an operation at Alexandra Hospital. In 2015, he was transferred to a nursing home where he later passed away.
The patient, Gu Ziqiang, was 34 years old at the time of the operation in July 2012. Before surgery, a tube was inserted into Gu’s windpipe to aid breathing. However, 20 minutes after the operation commenced, the oxygen level in Gu’s blood fell.
Gu’s family reached a settlement on their negligence claim against Jurong Health Services and the three doctors for the operation, and are set to receive $397,200 as the final payout. Jurong Health Services also dropped all hospital charges for Gu.
Gu’s family was represented by Hoh Law Corporation.
Reported by: The Straits Times | 1 November, 2017
