Safety fears for child heart surgery unit amid above-average death rates

A children’s heart surgery service is in a “precarious” state amid concerns over above-average death rates, a report has found.

- by Don Mort

Hospital bosses have been told urgent action is needed to address a staffing crisis in the Leeds congenital cardiac service.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust ordered an external review after concerns were first raised by medics in November 2023.

A report to the trust’s next board meeting said paediatric mortality rates were within the expected range between 2021-2023.

But outcomes after April 2023 showed “a worrying and significant deterioration, with risk adjusted mortality rate running around three times the national average.

“During the same period, the rate of significant complications has increased, including need for re-operations and very protracted length of stay.”

The report said one surgeon was due to retire and another had decided not to return from a sabbatical.