Zurich University Hospital, serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• University Hospital of Zurich admits serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery
• Dozens of unexpected deaths between 2016 and 2020
• 11 deaths reported to the prosecution

Key facts

• What: Serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery
• When: Between 2016 and 2020
• Where: University Hospital of Zurich
• Who: Former chief Francesco Maisano
• Amount: Seventy patients with excess mortality
• What: Inappropriate use of medical devices
• Amount: 13 cases
• What: Resignation of three hospital board members

The University Hospital of Zurich has admitted serious shortcomings in cardiac surgery from 2016 to 2020. A report documents dozens of unexpected deaths. The independent investigation found excess mortality of about seventy patients during this period, as the University Hospital communicated on Tuesday. The hospital reported 11 particularly suspicious deaths to the prosecution and inappropriate use of medical devices in 13 cases. Investigators will have to verify if there are criminally relevant violations. According to the report, the causes of the irregularities lie in an overall management failure. The then chief of the clinic, Francesco Maisano, would have been appointed in 2014 in a rushed manner and without adequate verification of his qualifications and conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the then hospital management would have neglected its duty of supervision and recognized the warning signs too late. Resignations in the hospital board

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Operational details

Analysis of the implications

The serious shortcomings in the cardiac surgery department of the University Hospital of Zurich raise important questions about patient safety and hospital management. The excess mortality of about seventy patients between 2016 and 2020 is an alarming signal that requires an in-depth analysis of the procedures and protocols followed by the hospital. The inappropriate use of medical devices in 13 cases and the reporting of 11 particularly suspicious deaths to the prosecution indicate that there were serious violations of safety and compliance standards. The hasty appointment of the chief Francesco Maisano and the lack of adequate verification of his qualifications and conflicts of interest are further elements that contribute to an overall management failure.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before 2016, the University Hospital of Zurich was considered a reference point for cardiac surgery in Switzerland. The discovery of the serious shortcomings has led to a radical change in the management of the hospital, with the introduction of more severe compliance rules, a register for conflicts of interest, and a system for reporting irregularities. These changes aim to prevent similar episodes in the future and to ensure patient safety. The cardiac surgery clinic has regained its good reputation and high-quality standards under new management, with a mortality rate back to normal.

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Key points

What to do now

If you have been affected by this case or have family members who were patients at the University Hospital of Zurich between 2016 and 2020, it is important to contact the special advisory service set up by the hospital. This service has been established to provide support and assistance to those affected and their families. You can find further information on the University Hospital of Zurich website or by contacting the advisory service directly.

Procedure for reporting irregularities

1. Contact the special advisory service: If you have encountered irregularities or have doubts about the quality of care received, contact the special advisory service of the University Hospital of Zurich. 2. Provide detailed information: Provide all necessary information about your experiences and the irregularities you have encountered. This will help the hospital investigate and take the necessary measures. 3. Follow the instructions of the advisory service: The advisory service will guide you through the reporting process and provide support throughout the procedure.

Useful tools

For further information and support, you can use the following tools:

• Salary calculator
• Operational guides
• Advisory services

For further details and assistance, contact the special advisory service of the University Hospital of Zurich.

Source: rsi.ch