Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority has initiated an investigation after a doctor shared a photograph from inside a public hospital on social media, raising concerns about patient confidentiality. The image, which showed an ongoing medical procedure, was posted online last week and later circulated across multiple platforms.
The case involves a doctor working within the Kowloon West Cluster of Hong Kong’s public healthcare system. The Hospital Authority, which oversees all public hospitals in the region, confirmed that the matter is under internal review. While officials did not formally name the individual, local reports identified the doctor as Jensen So.
The social media post included a photograph appearing to show a resuscitation procedure in progress. Several healthcare workers were visible surrounding a patient in a hospital setting. The doctor was reportedly holding equipment used for cardioversion, a procedure that delivers controlled electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.
The caption described the procedure and suggested that it was an uncommon clinical event being observed by others.
A rarely seen cardioversion – everyone has come to watch me deliver the electric shock.
Dr. Jensen So
Dr. Jensen So, a doctor affiliated with the Kowloon West Cluster and a former participant on ViuTV’s reality talent show King Maker III, shared the image on his Instagram account last Thursday. The post was later widely circulated on another social media platform, Threads.
As the image spread online, concerns were raised about whether patient privacy had been compromised. The visibility of a real-time medical setting prompted scrutiny from both the public and healthcare authorities.
The Hospital Authority stated that it takes patient confidentiality seriously and has strict policies governing the handling of clinical information. According to its guidelines, staff must not disclose patient-related data, including images, without proper consent.
The authority confirmed that it has launched an investigation to determine whether any regulations were violated. If a breach is identified, disciplinary procedures may follow, and the case could be referred to relevant regulatory bodies.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, a spokesman said without naming the doctor under scrutiny,
The cluster will review the incident. Should any staff be found in breach of these regulations, the case will be handled according to established human resources procedures and referred to relevant regulatory bodies for follow-up if necessary.
A Hospital Spokesman, Kowloon West Cluster
Talking to the South China Morning Post, So acknowledged posting the image but stated that no patient privacy rules were breached. He also indicated that he had addressed the matter on his social media account following the public reaction.
He stated that he was being targeted online following his decision to file an ethics complaint against a former doctor with the Medical Council.
I will return to my duties and continue working after my studies overseas this week. I have a clear conscience and will not respond to this matter again after today.
Jensen So, Kowloon West Cluster
The Hospital Authority has not announced a timeline for completing the investigation. Further action will depend on the findings and whether any breach of patient confidentiality or professional guidelines is confirmed.
(Rh/SS)
