Menu
26/04/2010
Four Child Heart Surgery Units 'Should Shut'
Experts have advised that four of 11 children's heart surgery units across the UK should be closed.
The review from a steering group on behalf of the National Specialised Commissioning Group (NSCG) recommend the units should stop performing operations and merge with bigger hospitals to improve standards and safety.
It said that the current "ad hoc" network cannot continue and that the changes must be carried out as a matter of urgency.
A minimum of four surgeons per unit is recommended to ensure that they can handle the range of complex operations and cover for each other.
Two of London's three units will probably merge, most likely involving the amalgamation of Guy's and St Thomas' with the Royal Brompton or Great Ormond Street, and the reorganisation may also mean the unit at Leicester being brought under Birmingham Children's Hospital and centres in Leeds and Newcastle combining. Given Newcastle's world-class transplant facilities, Leeds staff may move north.
All 11 paediatric heart centres are being assessed to decide which to keep open.
The intention is to improve care, but patients' groups say long journeys could put pressure on families.
The review was ordered in 2008 by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director, to ensure that the sector, considered to have the most advanced monitoring of patient outcomes in the world, can meet the rising demand for increasingly complex procedures.
The next stage is individual centre assessments, to be completed by July, and final recommendations from the NCSG, to be put out to public consultation in the autumn. Work will begin on the reconfiguration early next year.
The work of these units first came under scrutiny following the 1990s Bristol heart babies scandal when children having heart surgery died needlessly.
(LB/BMcC)
The review from a steering group on behalf of the National Specialised Commissioning Group (NSCG) recommend the units should stop performing operations and merge with bigger hospitals to improve standards and safety.
It said that the current "ad hoc" network cannot continue and that the changes must be carried out as a matter of urgency.
A minimum of four surgeons per unit is recommended to ensure that they can handle the range of complex operations and cover for each other.
Two of London's three units will probably merge, most likely involving the amalgamation of Guy's and St Thomas' with the Royal Brompton or Great Ormond Street, and the reorganisation may also mean the unit at Leicester being brought under Birmingham Children's Hospital and centres in Leeds and Newcastle combining. Given Newcastle's world-class transplant facilities, Leeds staff may move north.
All 11 paediatric heart centres are being assessed to decide which to keep open.
The intention is to improve care, but patients' groups say long journeys could put pressure on families.
The review was ordered in 2008 by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director, to ensure that the sector, considered to have the most advanced monitoring of patient outcomes in the world, can meet the rising demand for increasingly complex procedures.
The next stage is individual centre assessments, to be completed by July, and final recommendations from the NCSG, to be put out to public consultation in the autumn. Work will begin on the reconfiguration early next year.
The work of these units first came under scrutiny following the 1990s Bristol heart babies scandal when children having heart surgery died needlessly.
(LB/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2015
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
Shorter People More At Risk Of Heart Disease
Shorter people are more at risk of coronary heart disease, according to a new study led by Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, British Heart Foundation Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences. The research discovered that every 2.5 inches of change in height affects the risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%.
04 July 2012
Child Heart Surgery Units To Learn Of Fate
Hospitals that perform child heart surgery are due to learn which will have to stop performing operations. There are currently 10 such units in England, but an official consultation has proposed that up to four should cease doing surgery.
Child Heart Surgery Units To Learn Of Fate
Hospitals that perform child heart surgery are due to learn which will have to stop performing operations. There are currently 10 such units in England, but an official consultation has proposed that up to four should cease doing surgery.
20 April 2010
97% Unaware Of 'Muffin Top' Health Risks
Most people have no idea that rolls of fat around their waistline are putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a poll reveals. While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
97% Unaware Of 'Muffin Top' Health Risks
Most people have no idea that rolls of fat around their waistline are putting them at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a poll reveals. While being overweight or obese in general poses a health hazard, concentrated fat deposits around the midriff – commonly nicknamed spare tyres or muffin tops – are particularly dangerous.
17 October 2008
Aspirin 'Doesn't Prevent Heart Attacks'
Despite GPs prescribing the drugs to many thousands of their patients by way of prevention, new research suggests that aspirin does not after all prevent heart attacks.
Aspirin 'Doesn't Prevent Heart Attacks'
Despite GPs prescribing the drugs to many thousands of their patients by way of prevention, new research suggests that aspirin does not after all prevent heart attacks.
02 April 2012
Heart Failure's Effects Can Be Reversed With Rest
Structural changes in heart muscle cells after heart failure can be reversed by allowing the heart to rest, according to research at Imperial College London. Findings from a study in rats published today in the European Journal of Heart Failure show that the condition's effects on heart muscle cells are not permanent, as has generally been thought.
Heart Failure's Effects Can Be Reversed With Rest
Structural changes in heart muscle cells after heart failure can be reversed by allowing the heart to rest, according to research at Imperial College London. Findings from a study in rats published today in the European Journal of Heart Failure show that the condition's effects on heart muscle cells are not permanent, as has generally been thought.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
