The state Department of Health revealed more information Friday regarding the shut down of Stony Brook University Hospital?s Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Catheterization program earlier this week.
In a scathing report, state Health Commissioner Dr. Antonia Novello says she "cannot, in good conscience, permit Stony Brook University Hospital to continue treating children in the cardiac program." According to state investigators, the unit has only one part-time accredited pediatric cardiac surgeon and back-up surgeons are not qualified. Investigators also say the unit was not transferring emergency patients to other hospitals, suffered from a lack of patient observation, delayed surgical care and had incomplete medical records.
The hospital was hit with 19 violations and received a maximum $38,000 in fines. The hospital must also submit corrective plans to the health department.
Related Information: State halts pediatric heart surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital