Recall after three people die from infection following heart valve operation

29 Jul 2009

Three people have died from an infection after undergoing heart valve operations at Nottingham City hospital this year, it was announced today.

A recall is to be issued by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for patients who have had valve operations since January.

Nearly 80 people have been asked to return to the hospital for tests.

Stephen Fowlie, the trust's medical director, said the same staphylococcal infection was responsible for the deaths. "Any infections after such operations can be very serious," he said. "There are eight confirmed cases. Three patients have died and we extend our deepest condolences to their families. Five patients are receiving treatment and remain stable.

"We are making strenuous efforts to contact the remaining patient. A further 79 patients had heart valve operations in our heart centre this year. These operations were not as similar and we consider that these patients are at low risk of having acquired this infection. But as a further precaution we are also contacting these patients to invite them for similar tests."

He added: "We are confident our theatres are not the cause of the infections. We have not stopped heart valve operations, but we have changed some of our procedures and schedules to ensure patient safety."

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