Concerns Raised Over Paediatric Heart Surgery at Leeds General Infirmary

A recently published independent review has revealed serious concerns about paediatric congenital cardiac surgery at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The findings follow the deaths of two children and a significant increase in mortality and complication rates within the unit with the service now described as being in a “very precarious state”.

The Trust commissioned two external reviews after members of the clinical team raised alarm over a surgeon’s performance and wider issues such as waiting times, patient flow, and team culture. These concerns were first raised in a letter to the Trust’s CEO in November 2023, yet the full review findings have only just come to light.

Mortality Rates Triple the National Average

The review, carried out by experts from Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, found that since April 2023, LGI’s paediatric cardiac mortality rate has run at around three times the national average. The number of significant complications, reoperations, and extended post-operative stays has also sharply increased during this period.

Separate to the service-wide concerns, a focused review of seven specific surgical cases- each involving the same individual surgeon, found that in four of those cases, complications had occurred. In two of the most troubling examples, the surgeon’s familiarity with the procedures was called into question. Additionally, documentation by the surgeon was found to be incomplete or inconsistent in two cases.

The review confirmed that two of the children sadly died, while the remaining five continue to receive specialist care.

In response, the surgeon’s practice has been restricted and an internal investigation is underway. The Trust has also recruited a new lead surgeon and introduced mentorship and dual operating measures to strengthen surgical capability moving forward.

Expert Legal Insight

Francesca Paul, a specialist medical negligence solicitor and Partner at Fletchers Solicitors, commented:

“We have a vast amount of experience helping clients affected by surgeons whose practice reveals patterns of poor outcomes, which can have truly devastating impacts, especially where children are involved.

“In paediatric cardiology, every moment counts. It is essential that Trusts respond swiftly when concerns are raised, and that patterns of harm are identified at the earliest opportunity. Tragically, this hasn’t happened fast enough in this case.

“We’ve helped families affected by cardiology-related negligence at Leeds General Infirmary before, and we understand how difficult it is for parents to question the care their child has received. But if your child has suffered complications following heart surgery at Leeds, I would urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible to see if we can help.”

A Decade of Uncertainty for Leeds’ Children’s Heart Services

This is not the first time LGI’s congenital heart surgery unit has faced scrutiny. A decade ago, the service was temporarily suspended amid safety concerns, which were later deemed unfounded. However, this latest episode marks a clear and substantiated threat to patient safety and raises renewed concerns about governance and oversight within the Trust.

Despite improvements in national congenital cardiac survival rates, this deterioration at Leeds highlights the vital importance of ongoing, transparent monitoring of outcomes particularly when dealing with highly specialised and high-risk paediatric care.

What should you do if you are affected?

If your child received heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary and experienced complications, or if you have concerns about their treatment, our experienced medical negligence team is here to help. We provide free, confidential initial advice with no obligation to proceed. Our job is to listen to what has happened and if we are able to help seek justice for those affected. We are already representing some children affected by poor treatment at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. We may be able to help you.