Surgery Godfather
Chapter 1239 - 953: The Disappearing Femur

Chapter 1239: Chapter 953: The Disappearing Femur

As for Ou Lianfeng’s case, Dean Xia had thoroughly understood it by now, and this honest man’s personal account contained no lies. Truth be told, before the investigation results had come out, Dean Xia still harbored some doubts. How could such an absurd thing happen? It seemed a bit unbelievable.

But now, with the investigation team he had dispatched placing a thick stack of reports on his desk, he couldn’t hold back, so he cursed out loud.

Ou Lianfeng’s financial situation indeed met the criteria for Sanbo Hospital’s aid fund. Dean Xia decided to initiate the aid process to fund Ou Lianfeng’s subsequent lung washing and lung transplant surgeries, which were certainly not a small amount of money; they could easily amount to hundreds of thousands.

While considering Ou Lianfeng’s case, his own phone rang; it was from a senior leader at the Provincial Hall, who was only a few months away from retirement.

"Xia Changjiang, aren’t you letting me have peace of mind? Has your hospital recently diagnosed a patient with pneumoconiosis?" asked the senior leader.

Upon hearing this, Dean Xia knew there was trouble, "Yes, the patient’s name is Ou Lianfeng."

"So it’s this patient. You’re aware of this, then. I thought you didn’t know. This must have been a decision made privately by your doctors, right?" the voice of the senior leader was a bit hoarse due to him having been cold for many days.

Dean Xia showed no intention to evade responsibility, "This was entirely my idea; it had nothing to do with the doctors. They were only following my instructions."

"Your idea? You really protect your people well. You must know the principles of diagnosing occupational diseases, don’t you?" said the senior leader angrily.

Dean Xia reported truthfully, "I’m aware this is against the rules, but this case is a bit special. The patient sought treatment at the local occupational disease prevention center. The doctors there demanded employment proof from his previous employer to diagnose pneumoconiosis, but the employer refused to provide these documents. Thus, the patient was caught in a vicious cycle, running around everywhere. Other hospitals didn’t have the right to diagnose, and the qualified local occupational disease center was unwilling to make the diagnosis. It was clear he had pneumoconiosis, but they just wouldn’t diagnose it. What could the patient do? He had no choice but to undergo surgery and have his chest opened up for a lung biopsy. No one would resort to such extreme measures if they weren’t desperate."

"Xia Changjiang, just you acting the saint? Is this something within your authority? You are violating the rules, and you’re going to be penalized. The other party’s Provincial Hall has already sent an official document demanding an explanation from us and sanctions against the offending hospital!" The senior leader’s tone was very stern.

Dean Xia thought for a moment and said, "Xia Changjiang alone will bear all the consequences, unrelated to anyone else. Whatever the penalty, impose it. Even if I’m dismissed, I will accept it without any complaints. I know I have overstepped my authority, but I could not ignore my conscience. Honestly, if we don’t take this on, this patient would never have a chance to get a diagnosis of pneumoconiosis in his lifetime."

"Dean Xia, what are you implying? You think I wouldn’t dare to penalize you?" the leader said furiously.

Dean Xia quickly said, "Senior leader, I’m just telling the truth, honestly. I’m willing to accept any punishment."

A severe cough came through the phone, and Dean Xia said with concern, "Senior leader, hasn’t your cold improved? It’s been lingering so long, maybe you should come here for a check-up."

"It’s nothing, just a mild cold. My health has been declining each year. Enough, stop showing off your heroics. The punishment will certainly be imposed; it’s a violation. The notification of the penalty will be sent to your hospital, but it won’t be publicly announced. Since the diagnosis has been made, just let it be. Whoever made the diagnosis, don’t bother them about it. Since you’re taking the responsibility alone, I’ll just rebuke you. That’s inappropriate." the senior leader said, coughing, and then hung up.

"Willing to accept the punishment!" Dean Xia sighed in relief.

Soon, the senior leader’s call came again, "How’s the patient now? Can the situation be resolved? Do you need my help to coordinate? I really don’t want to be bothered by this matter anymore."

"Thank you, senior leader, we can handle it ourselves," said Xia Changjiang gratefully.

"Alright then, make sure to handle things appropriately and legally, complying with regulations, and of course, without betraying the conscience of being a doctor." The senior leader spoke a few words more and then hung up amidst coughs.

Dean Xia called over Dean Sun and relayed the recent events to him.

"What should we do?"

Dean Sun said anxiously.

"Whatever the penalty, I’ll bear it. It absolutely must not affect the doctors. They did nothing wrong; they merely fulfilled their duties as doctors."

Dean Xia said firmly. Over the years as dean, he had neither taken bribes nor engaged in corruption. Having no desires made him fearless; he walked the straight path, standing upright, unafraid of any storm.

"We agreed to bear this responsibility together; how could I possibly let you bear it alone? This is the responsibility of Sanbo Hospital’s leadership team, not related to the clinical doctors. Their actions were made with our knowledge and consent."

With the situation being this dire, Dean Sun could only stand and fight alongside Dean Xia.

"Old Xia, this matter is grave and likely to impact you significantly. I’ve been thinking, Sanbo Hospital can’t do without you, especially now during such a critical time of development. I will bear this; say it had nothing to do with you, that it was done without your knowledge, and I solely spearheaded it?"

Dean Sun said helplessly.

Dean Xia waved his hand, "No way, how could I let you bear it alone? I’ve already reported everything to the Provincial Hall leaders, and from their tone, it seems the matter won’t escalate much, just at most a penalty."