The state Department of Health has ordered Stony Brook University Hospital to shut down the surgical department that performs heart operations on children.

State health officials say the hospital is causing an ?imminent danger to the health and safety of pediatric cardiac surgery patients.? As a result, the hospital was ordered to cease and desist all pediatric cardiac surgery and catherization programs.

Hospital and state officials have been investigating deaths of three children in three months. Meanwhile, Stony Brook?s dean of medicine says he appreciates the state?s concern and looks forward to addressing those concerns. He adds he believes the hospital has a superb program with an excellent surgeon.

The hospital may challenge the shut down in a court hearing on September 28.

Related Information:Stony Brook Hospital under investigation after another unexpected death