Oxford NHS hospital suspends children's cardiac surgery

An NHS hospital in Oxfordshire has suspended all scheduled children's heart surgeries following a string of recent deaths on the operating table.

Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital said that the children who died had been "very sick", but that a review of each case was required to ensure other patients are not at risk.

Although independent regulator the Care Quality Commission is not itself investigating the trust, it said that would study the hospital's own review proceedings.

Children awaiting operations will now be diverted to other hospitals, but the John Radcliffe Hospital said none of them would be put at risk by any potential delays.

A statement from the hospital read: "We have temporarily suspended the paediatric cardiac surgery service while we investigate concerns that have been raised."

The establishment has previously been criticised for high death rates among its adult patients.

Parents can ensure reduced waiting times and high-quality care for their families and themselves by taking out a medical insurance policy.

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