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Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 8) – Propofol

Propofol played a significant role in the trial of Dr Vanessa Kwan. Vanessa went to South Korea to learn about cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons in South Korea use a lot of propofol in office-based practice. Ipso facto, Vanessa learned about propofol and its use in cosmetic surgery.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 17) – A mystery

There are things that we just do not know because it is now too late to find out: what were the oxygen saturation levels, for example? But there are other things we do not know although they are known. Where did Dr Kwan go when she left the operating room?

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 23) - Snoring

We all know what snoring is, but do we understand what snoring means?

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 23b) – Timelines

Timelines are very important but how reliable are they? Of course, it depends on the source(s) of the data on which they are based.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 5) - Who is the Judge?

I wonder what Vanessa is thinking right now. If she can even think. A torrent of images, regrets, what ifs. The onslaught must be so great, no wonder the normal response is for the mind and the body to shut down? Depression.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 6) - Cosmetic surgery in Hong Kong

There is no formally recognised specialty of Cosmetic Surgery (and / or Medicine) in Hong Kong. Unsurprisingly, there are no formal training programs in cosmetic surgery or aesthetic medicine.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 7) – South Korea

South Korea is a truly amazing country and has, over the last thirty years, transformed into one of the most dynamic and innovative economies in the world.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 9) – Informed consent (i)

It is one year ago today that Justice Judianna Barnes sentenced Dr Mak Wan-ling to be incarcerated for three and half years for a crime she did not commit (see parts 1-4 of this blog).

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 10) – Informed consent (ii)

In the context of medicine, we typically speak of informed consent as having both an ethical and a legal basis. The ethics are related to patient autonomy and human rights. The legal perspective relates to the definition of what occurs if consent is not obtained, and a physical intervention occurs (assault or battery at a minimum and it would appear, gross negligence if things go wrong).

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 11) – Misinformed assent

I wonder how fast time goes in prison? 2022.This was Vanessa’s first New Year in prison. Dr Mak’s second. Two female doctors, both in their thirties. Dr Mak graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Dr Kwan, Vanessa, from Hong Kong University (HKU). Both are now incarcerated on the basis of myths. It is a disgrace.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 13) – Records of necessary information

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. This is the year of the Tiger. I am fine, I am a Dragon. This is going to be an interesting year.

Gross Negligence Manslaughter in Healthcare: The medico-legal dilemma (part 15) – Duty of Care

Just to recap; I have been looking at the Reasons for Sentence in the case of HKSAR and Kwan Hau chi, Vanessa. The verdict had been declared: “guilty”. Now, on 4 October 2021, the Hon D’Almada Remedios J is going to present her review of the case and the factors she has taken into account when deciding the sentence. I am referring to an official document which is in the public domain. The case reference is HCCC 200/2018. It is a shameful document, but we must all share in that shame.