Penang Health Dept to conduct internal probe

GEORGE TOWN: The state Health Department has been told to conduct an internal investigation on doctors and nurses for alleged negligence when handling the blood transfusion process on a 4month-old boy at Penang Hospital recently.

State Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the order was issued after the incident was reported in the news and went viral on social media.

“The baby is stable. From the prognosis, there is no sign of infection on the surgical wound on his left leg. An orthopaedic specialist said the baby’s leg is in good condition.

“Let the state Health Department take the necessary action to resolve the issue. This case needs internal investigation.”

Muhammad Zain Al Fateh Muhammad Faizal Amri underwent blood transfusion after experiencing low blood pressure following a hernia operation. He suffered swelling on his left leg, with bubbles popping out.

His father, Muhamad Faizal Amri Abdul Ghani, 26, said his son was recovering and the swelling on the toes had reduced.

He said the wound dressing had also been changed.

“However, I am still not sure about the condition of the leg dressing. The atmosphere at the ward is also tense as the doctors and nurses are unhappy with us reporting the matter to the police.

“I must admit that the service is better now after the issue went viral. Zain is still unconscious, but seems to be recovering,” said the businessman.

Dr Afif advised staff and officers at the state Health Department to improve their soft and communication skills when dealing with the public, particularly patients.

“These two skills are important to have as a service provider. We have to put ourselves in the patients’ or parents’ shoes so that we can give them proper explanation with empathy.

“I understand how stressful it can be because of the work load at the hospital, which may result in them not being able to communicate well, but they must maintain professionalism.

“There is no harm if the doctors, officers and nurses use simple language and are polite so that patients will be more comfortable to be at government hospitals and clinics.”