Police Investigation Launched Into Cardiology Care At Castle Hill Hospital

A recent BBC News report has brought to light very serious concerns regarding the cardiology services provided at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire. The article reveals that Humberside Police have launched an investigation into the care provided by the hospital’s cardiology department following multiple complaints and allegations of substandard treatment. 

The concerns relate to documented concerns about treatment provided to patients during a TAVI – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant. This is a procedure to replace a damaged valve in the heart, similar to adding a stent. These procedures were meant to be safer alternatives to open-heart surgery, especially for older patients.

The mortality rate at CHH was three times higher than the national average. Staff at the hospital were so concerned sthat everal formal inquiries into standards were commissioned, but patients were not made aware that these inquiries were ongoing.

Key problems found:

Real-life cases

Dorothy Readhead was 87 when she underwent her procedure, which has been graded as poor in one of the inquiries completed into standards. She was due to have the TAVI deployed via an artery in the left leg because the right leg artery was blocked. Instead, the right leg was used, and although the error was realised, a decision was made to continue. Repeated efforts were made to deploy the TAVI through the blocked artery, resulting in a significant tear in Mrs Readhead’s femoral artery. She lost a lot of huge amount of blood and died a week later. Worryingly, the cause of her death was recorded as pneumonia on her death certificate. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that the TAVI procedure should have been recorded on the death certificate as it led to Mrs Readhead’s death.

Brian Hunter was 83 when his TAVI was finally performed after the procedure was delayed, increasing the risk of an adverse outcome. When it was performed, it was carried out in a way that was graded as very poor by the RCP. Technical errors were made along with failures in the deployment of the device, which allowed blood to leak back into the heart. His family were told that Mr Hunter had died of a heart attack, and they only learned the truth years later.

When Dr Thanjavur Bragadeesh raised concerns about the TAVI procedure in 2020, he was asked to step down from his role as clinical director of CHH’s cardiology department. Other senior doctors have raised concerns over many years.

Commentary

The investigation reportedly centres around potentially avoidable patient deaths and harm linked to cardiac procedures and care. While details remain limited due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry, the fact that law enforcement is involved underscores the gravity of the concerns raised.

This development is deeply concerning—not only for the families already affected but also for any patients who may have undergone cardiac procedures at Castle Hill Hospital and are now questioning the quality of their care.

Have you or a loved one been affected?

If you or someone you know has received cardiology treatment at Castle Hill Hospital and experienced complications, unexpected outcomes, or concerns about the care provided, it is important to seek advice. You may not be alone, and your experience could be part of a broader pattern now under investigation.

We are urging anyone who has concerns about their cardiac treatment at Castle Hill Hospital to come forward. Our team is here to listen, advise, and support you in understanding your rights and options.