PRESS STATEMENT
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE IN HOSPITAL SELAYANG
A 64 year old man was found dead on the ground of Hospital Selayang on Sunday night, 22nd November 2015. The deceased was suspected to have fallen from the 10th floor of the hospital. A review of his medical record showed he was admitted to ward 10D in Hospital Selayang on Saturday, 21st November 2015 for acute gastroenteritis. The deceased also had other illnesses and has been admitted to Selayang Hospital for a few times.
For this latest admission, the deceased did not show any symptoms of depression or any abnormal behaviour which required extra monitoring. He was last seen in bed when a staff nurse reviewed him. A few minutes later, the nurse was called again by another patient who heard the sound of someone falling nearby. Upon investigation, it was found that the deceased had probably fallen out of the upper panel of the window in his cubical. He was pronounced dead at 9.50pm and the family was informed. A police report was made by the hospital staff on the same night. A post mortem was conducted on the following day and the body was subsequently released to the family. Cause of death was multiple trauma related to fall from height. No foul play was suspected.
Measures to ensure patient safety has always been a part of MOH policy. It is the policy of the hospital to only allow the upper panel of the windows to be opened at a 30 degree angle to allow for ventilation. The lower panels of all windows are sealed as a safety and preventive measure. Nevertheless, MOH will conduct a thorough incident investigation on this tragedy and wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the family for their immeasurable loss.
DATUK DR. NOOR HISHAM BIN ABDULLAH
Director General of Health Malaysia
Ministry of Health Malaysia
24th November 2015
