Fears over heart death rates amid ‘toxic’ surgeons’ feuds
A FORMER government “heart tsar” has called for an urgent review of death rates at a heart-surgery unit following revelations linking a “toxic” feud between surgeons to a rise in patient deaths.
Professor Sir Roger Boyle raised concerns after a leaked report found the heart unit at south London’s St George’s Hospital was consumed by “dark forces” and patients were put at risk by a dysfunctional team of surgeons.
The review, by former NHS England deputy medical director Mike Bewick, was carried out in response to unpublished figures showing that between 2014- 2017 mortality rates at the hospital were 3.7 per cent of heart patients compared to the national average of two per cent.
With 900 heart operations a year this would account for 33 annual deaths compared to the national average of 18.
Prof Bewick’s review said: “Some felt that there was a persistent toxic atmosphere and stated there was a ‘dark force’ in the unit.
Some felt that there was a persistent toxic atmosphere and stated there was a ‘dark force’ in the unit.
It added: “The whole team shares responsibility for the failure to significantly improve professional relationships and, to a degree, surgical mortality.”
Sir Roger, former national director for heart disease and stroke at the Department of Health, wants previous death rate figures examined.
He said: “If there has been feuding and a lack of meetings to discuss mortality before these dates then all the data needs to be reviewed.”
A hospital spokesman said: “Major and urgent improvements are required, which we are already taking action to deliver.”