02/05/2013

Children's Surgery Suspended At Surrey Hospital

Children's heart surgery has been suspended at a private hospital in Surrey.

The decision came after "serious concerns" were raised by the health watchdog, the BBC has said.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) demanded for immediate improvements at BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital, Guildford.

It said the improvements were in order to "protect people from coming to harm".

The CQC was due to publish a report on Wednesday about the inspection but said the publication would be delayed because the hospital had made representations on two issues.

BMI Healthcare said it had voluntarily halted children's surgery as a result of the report.

Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Collier, added: "The hospital's practices let BMI and our patients down and I apologise for that.

"In 2012 we were not maintaining the high standards that we and our regulators demand at Mount Alvernia.

"I want to reassure our patients that the hospital has already been in touch with anyone who may have been affected by a particular incident.

"I have personally written to all patients who were admitted for treatment at Mount Alvernia in the last year explaining what has happened and providing contact details should they want to discuss the matter further with us."

A CQC spokesman said: "Following the inspection CQC raised serious concerns with the provider and formally warned them that immediate improvements were required to protect people from coming to harm.

"As a result of our concerns being raised with them, BMI agreed to voluntarily suspend children's surgical admissions at the hospital and to start making other changes required."

Inspectors visited the hospital in December 2012 and January 2013.

(JP/CD)

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