Care Quality Commission report reveals cardiac unit feud

A report by the Care Quality Commission has revealed that feuding amongst surgeons at a troubled heart unit at St George’s Hospital in London have contributed to a higher than average death rate.

Complex cardiac operations were transferred from the hospital in September following a leaked document. However, the resulting mediation had a limited effected and the “poor behaviour” soon returned.

The trust said its heart surgery was safe and improvements had been made. However, the subsequent report by the CQC stated that “consultant surgeons mistrusted each other, as well as cardiologists, anaesthetists and senior leaders.”

Consultants had reported that there was a culture of “tribalism” amongst senior staff, and that the cardiac surgical team “had not worked effectively for several years”.

Inspectors said “Consultants did not work collaboratively, share responsibility or resolve conflict in a constructive and timely manner.

“Staff did not work together to ensure delivery of high-quality, safe and effective services that put patients at the centre.”

The hospital’s chief executive Jacqueline Totterdell, said “The service experienced significant challenges earlier this year, and it will be reassuring to the communities we serve that the CQC has confirmed it is safe.

“Of course, this does not change the fact that significant improvements are required and significant progress has been made since the CQC’s visit back in August.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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