Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham is now the subject of a police investigation following the findings of a clinical review into the deaths of 11 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures according to the BBC. The corporation reports that a review, completed in 2024, was commissioned by NHS leadership after concerns were raised by bereaved families and has lead to the latest police action.
Humberside Police confirmed to the BBC that they are assessing the clinical review’s conclusions to determine whether any criminal offences may have occurred. Officers are working with relevant agencies and medical authorities as they consider whether the evidence warrants further legal action.
The patients concerned—seven women and four men—died between October 2019 and May 2023, with ten of the deaths taking place over a two-and-a-half-year period up to March 2022. All had undergone TAVI procedures at Castle Hill Hospital, a major cardiac centre for the region, run by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and overseen by the Humber Health Partnership.
The clinical review was prompted by the death of 78-year-old Jean Readhead in 2022. Her family raised questions about the care she received, and her case subsequently led to a broader investigation into treatment and governance issues within the hospital’s cardiology department.
The BBC states that according to the review, there were serious concerns about both clinical practice and documentation. In one case, involving a 73-year-old man, reviewers found poor decision-making at every stage of treatment. His TAVI valve was incorrectly positioned, contributing to his deterioration. The way his death was recorded has also drawn criticism. He was initially issued with a death certificate that mentioned a failed TAVI, but that document was withdrawn and replaced weeks later with one that stated pneumonia as the cause of death and made no mention of the procedure.
“These are very serious allegations. Families have a right to the truth, and the public needs assurance that hospital procedures are being followed and reviewed properly,”
Emma Hardy MP
The report also criticised the death certificates of two women who died within six weeks of one another. In both cases, key clinical details were omitted, leading the review panel to conclude the records were not accurate.
In another incident, an 84-year-old woman with an elevated procedural risk died following complications the panel said might have been avoidable had the procedure been performed by more experienced operators. No additional risk management was found to have been in place in her case.
Responding to the findings, the Humber Health Partnership told the BBC it had implemented improvements recommended by the Royal College of Physicians, who carried out an earlier inspection. In a statement, it said it welcomed any questions from the families involved and was committed to transparency.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it had taken the findings seriously and was working to improve care. A spokesperson told the BBC, “We take the conclusions of the review extremely seriously. Our aim is to provide safe and compassionate care, and we recognise the distress caused to families.”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has been informed of the situation and is expected to carry out its own inspection focused on cardiac services. The CQC has previously rated elements of the Trust’s performance as requiring improvement.
Castle Hill Hospital is one of the key healthcare facilities for East Yorkshire and the East Riding. The unfolding investigation has prompted renewed concern about oversight, patient safety, and internal reporting procedures within the NHS.
Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, has called for further scrutiny. “These are very serious allegations. Families have a right to the truth, and the public needs assurance that hospital procedures are being followed and reviewed properly,” she said.
I had one of these procedures in November 2024 and it seems to have been successful . An iregular heartbeat alerted my GP and subsequently to my TAVI . My reaction to the valve used led to shock which caused a gathering of 4 heated blankets which sorted me out . One of those things as the type of valve used does vary ; I would not like the to experience that shock again .
In conclusion I cannot fault the care I received and would speak highly of my overall outcome .
I am now 84 years old and glad to be here . Should add that were men in the wards who definately in a worse condition than myself – hope they are now fit and well .
There is an element of risk with this procedure and other similar procedures .