Minister Condemns Shocking Behavior at Belfast's Royal Hospital

The behavior of some heart surgeons at Northern Ireland’s cardiac surgery unit was described as 'entirely unacceptable’ by the Health Minister. An inspection report highlighted concerns about the working culture and patient safety risks within the unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). Intolerable Working Environment The independent review revealed a pattern of consistently poor behavior in the cardiac surgery unit. Mike Nesbitt, the Minister, expressed his shock and called the findings 'appalling' and 'very disturbing'. He emphasized the need for significant improvements and a culture of respect within the unit. Commissioned Review The review was conducted by an external expert team after concerns were raised about the condition of the cardiac surgery service. The report, presented in May, outlined the need for governance reform, improved communication processes, and enhanced team working. It also underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence and patient safety within the regional cardiac surgery service. Ongoing Actions The Belfast Trust has accepted the recommendations from the review and is working promptly to implement necessary changes. The Health Minister plans to make the report public and ensure transparency. The ongoing focus is on enhancing team collaboration, addressing cultural issues, and upholding high standards of patient care.