Heart Procedure Deaths Under Police Investigation: A Wake-Up Call for NHS Transparency

At Freeths, we are deeply concerned by the recent revelations surrounding Castle Hill Hospital near Hull, where multiple patient deaths following heart procedures are now under police investigation. The BBC’s investigation has uncovered troubling details that raise serious questions about patient safety, transparency, and accountability within the NHS.

What Is the TAVI Procedure—and What Went Wrong?

The procedure at the centre of this investigation is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. It is typically recommended for older patients with aortic stenosis, a condition where the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow. The procedure involves inserting a new valve via a catheter, usually through the groin, and is generally considered safe.

However, between 2019 and 2023, Castle Hill Hospital’s TAVI mortality rate was reportedly three times the national average

Despite this, patients and their families were not informed of the elevated risks. Internal reviews were conducted, including two by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), yet none were made public. Families only learned of these reviews through investigative journalism.

Understanding the complications of TAVI procedures

While Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation is a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, it carries significant risks that require careful management. Immediate complications can include stroke, heart muscle damage, and infections such as pneumonia or endocarditis. Longer-term risks involve valve leakage, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

Injuries may also occur if the catheter is inserted improperly, potentially damaging arteries and leading to ischaemia—reduced blood flow that, in severe cases, can result in limb amputation. These outcomes are often preventable with appropriate pre-operative assessment, surgical precision, and post-operative monitoring. When these standards are not met, the consequences can be life-altering or fatal.

The Case of Dorothy Readhead

One of the most harrowing cases is that of Dorothy Readhead, an 87-year-old woman from Driffield. Despite pre-operative scans indicating that the procedure should be performed via her left leg, the surgical team attempted access through the right—contrary to manufacturer guidance. Over six hours, three failed attempts were made to implant the valve, resulting in a catastrophic arterial tear and the loss of five litres of blood.

A Call for Improved Care