Leeds children’s heart surgeon investigation

“Families deserve transparency and answers,” says Margaret Ryan, Partner and Clinical Negligence Solicitor, as Leeds children’s heart surgery unit faces fresh investigation – a decade after similar failures.

Margaret Ryan, Partner in the Clinical Negligence team at Fletchers Solicitors, has called for full transparency, clear accountability, and accessible safety data following fresh concerns about the Leeds Children’s Congenital Heart Surgery Unit, based at Leeds General Infirmary. 

An independent investigation launched by NHS England

NHS England has launched an independent investigation into the service after the deaths of two children and a “worrying and significant deterioration” in outcomes since April 2023, with the unit’s risk-adjusted mortality rate reportedly around three times the national average. One surgeon, who has not been named, has had their practice restricted pending the outcome of the review. 

Margaret, who represented families affected by earlier failings at the same NHS Trust a decade ago, said: 

“These reports are deeply distressing for families who entrusted Leeds General Infirmary with their child’s care. I represented families whose children had died or suffered significant injury after having heart surgery at the same NHS Trust a decade ago and was assured that lessons had been learned and changes made to ensure this did not happen again. 

“Yet the latest review describes a serious deterioration and a mortality rate around three times the national average since April 2023. 

“Families deserve honesty, transparency, and answers. We’re calling for the full and transparent publication of the NHS England review’s findings, clear accountability for any resulting action plan, and risk-adjusted data made publicly available so parents can make informed choices on where they want their children to be treated. Our thoughts are with the families affected, and we stand ready to support anyone seeking answers.” 

Surgeon struck-off following multiple child deaths

The unit was previously at the centre of a high-profile suspension in 2013 and a series of investigations and disciplinary actions in 2015–2017, including surgeon Nihal Weerasena being struck off following multiple child deaths. Families, including those of Bradley Brough and Carrie Wright, received findings that their children’s care had fallen “well below acceptable standards” at the time. 

Margaret also added: 

“The public was told lessons had been learned, yet here we are again. This is not about apportioning blame to individual clinicians. It’s about robust safety systems, effective governance, and openness when outcomes deteriorate – so that action can be taken to save lives.” 

If you feel you have been affected by failings at Leeds Children’s Congenital Heart Surgery Unit, contact our specialist birth injury team for support.