Hong Kong minister defends hospital decision in girl's death after mother's

Hong Kong's welfare minister defended the "professional judgement" of medical and social workers who allowed a 12-year-old girl to go home shortly after her mother's death, a tragedy that has deeply concerned the public. The girl died hours after her mother in a suspected double suicide on Wednesday in Taikoo Shing.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun stated that doctors, nurses, and social workers assessed the daughter after her mother's passing. "I understand that they decided [the girl] could go home," Sun told reporters Thursday, adding that the daughter was accompanied by family members during the assessment. He emphasized that the decision was based on their professional assessment at the time.

“

The daughter went to the hospital accompanied by her family. At the hospital, doctors, nurses and social workers met with her, and they had to make a judgement. I understand that they decided [the girl] could go home.

Concerns have been raised about the suitability of sending the girl home. The mother, a social worker, was found dead on their residential block's podium around 9 a.m. after an alleged argument with her daughter over educational issues. The daughter was found dead at the same location about 10 hours later. Police are investigating the incident.

Sun urged the public to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time. Government social workers have visited the father, and authorities are providing immediate support to him and other family members. Resources for mental health support, including helplines and a WhatsApp hotline, were also highlighted.

“

I believe the doctors, nurses and social workers had made the decision [to let her go home] at that time based on their professional judgement.