United Christian Hospital has formed a panel to investigate a mishap on October 14 in which staff mislabelled two patients' blood specimens, resulting in an unnecessary blood transfusion for a male patient while causing a delay in transfusion for a female patient.

The incident was noticed on October 15 when exams and blood tests were being carried out for the two concerned patients, and discrepancies were identified in their blood tests when compared with their previous results.

The incident did not involve an incorrect blood-type transfusion. The two patients are now in stable condition and being monitored. The hospital has provided a detailed explanation to the concerned patients and their families. An apology has also been extended to the patients.  

Following the incident, operational procedure monitoring and staff awareness have been enhanced to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

The panel will complete a report in six weeks' time for submission to the Hospital Authority.