Doctor given 9‑month ban over misconduct in case that left boy disabled for life

A Hong Kong paediatrician has been removed from the General Register for nine months, without suspension, after being found guilty of professional misconduct by the medical watchdog over an incident that left a boy permanently disabled more than 16 years ago.

In a verdict on Sunday, Dr Sit Sou-chi was convicted of failing to carry out all necessary and immediate investigations on newborn Li Yuanjian, the son of a mainland Chinese couple, after the infant suffered a seizure on December 22, 2009, at Baptist Hospital.

The child was left with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia and is unable to care for himself.

Handing down the sentence, inquiry panel chairwoman Professor Grace Tang Wai-king said neonatal seizures were a serious and life-threatening condition that could have lifelong implications.

She said the defendant’s failure to manage the case promptly was “inexcusable”.

Tang noted that throughout the hearing, the doctor maintained that the nurse had not informed him that a seizure was suspected and that he was entitled to rely on the professional judgment of nursing staff.