Heart Ops Stop

HEART transplants have been suspended at one of the UK’s specialist hospitals following a rise in patient deaths.

Papworth Hospital, near Cambridge, said an investigation had been launched after a “small increase in early mortality” following operations it carried out.

This year, seven of the 20 adult heart transplant patients have died within 30 days, the hospital said. The Healthcare Commission is now carrying out a review of procedures.

Stephen Bridge, chief executive of the hospital, said: “It’s expected 10% of heart transplant patients die within 30 days. We’ve normally been around 7%, so below the national average.

“It was agreed it would be sensible for us to invite the Healthcare Commission to undertake an external review.”

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