The state Department of Health has stopped all pediatric heart surgery at one of Long Island?s most prestigious hospitals.

The state health commissioner issued a cease and desist order saying there is imminent danger to the health and safety of pediatric cardiac surgery patients at Stony Brook University Hospital. Health Department officials say the program lacks a full-time pediatric cardiac surgeon and lacks an experienced pediatric cardiac surgery team. The hospital is also accused of not providing adequate backup coverage when the primary surgeon is not available, as well as not ensuring the primary surgeon participates in post-operative care. The program has been shut down until further notice.

Hospital officials say they have a superb program with an excellent surgeon and outstanding outcomes. They say out of 255 pediatric heart cases since 2001, there have been only four fatalities. A hearing is set for September 28 at the state Health Department office in Manhattan.