An early-stage criminal investigation is now underway into the care of cardiac patients who underwent TAVI procedures at Castle Hill Hospital in Hull, part of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in East Yorkshire.

The investigation, led by Humberside Police, follows the deaths of four patients from a group of 11 who had transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between 2019 and 2023. Concerns about clinical safety and decision-making have been raised, prompting a review by the Royal College of Physicians and public concern about patient safety at the hospital.

What is TAVI?

TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a minimally invasive heart procedure that treats aortic valve stenosis. The procedure involves replacing the damaged aortic valve with a new one via a catheter. The procedure is done when the aortic valve becomes narrow and stiff, restricting blood flow out of the heart. This can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and heart failure. It is typically recommended for older patients and is generally considered to be safe.

However, an independent review by the Royal College of Physicians in 2024 identified serious failings in how TAVI patients were selected and treated at Castle Hill Hospital. Despite these concerns being raised by clinicians over several years, many families were not informed of any issues at the time of their relative’s death. Some only became aware of the complications and the wider failings later through press coverage.

TAVI failings at Castle Hill Hospital

A BBC investigation found that concerns had been raised by cardiologists within the hospital, some of whom stopped referring patients for TAVI due to safety fears. However, reviews into the deaths were delayed and there was no formal process to inform families about potential failings.

The Royal College review highlighted poor clinical decision-making and insufficient regard for national guidelines. In several cases, the procedure was not appropriately risk-assessed and may not have been clinically justified.

What’s particularly troubling is the apparent failure to apply the duty of candour - the legal requirement for NHS trusts to be open and honest with patients and their families when things go wrong. Transparency is critical not only for trust in the healthcare system but also for families seeking closure.

Key findings from the 2024 review include:

• Repeated instances of poor clinical judgement
• Inaccurate or misleading death certificates that failed to record key details of the unsuccessful procedures
• A concerning lack of urgency and inadequate risk management for high-risk patients

Legal rights for families affected

Families who lose loved ones following medical procedures are entitled to full and honest explanations about what happened. If there are concerns that a procedure may have been inappropriate or carried out negligently, those families may have grounds to investigate further.

Medical negligence may arise where:

• The procedure was unnecessary or not in line with clinical guidelines
• The risks were not properly explained
• Consent was not fully informed
• There was a failure to act on known safety concerns
• The patient’s death was not properly recorded or reviewed

These cases may also raise questions about whether internal governance procedures were followed and whether the trust met national patient safety standards.

The duty of candour is not optional. NHS trusts are legally required to be transparent when mistakes lead to harm or death. Failing to notify families, delaying investigations and withholding information are clear breaches of that duty.

Chris Gresswell-Green , Director of Medical Negligence at Switalskis and a leading solicitor based in Yorkshire and the Humber region said:

“What’s most concerning in this case is not only the poor outcomes for patients, but the failure to be open and honest with families. The duty of candour is there to uphold the trust that families place in the NHS. They deserve better - especially in moments of profound grief when they are searching for answers and understanding.”

Your legal rights if you’re affected by medical negligence at Castle Hill Hospital

At Switalskis, our specialist Medical Negligence team are available to advise individuals or families who have concerns about a TAVI procedure carried out at Castle Hill Hospital.

Switalskis supports families across East Yorkshire and the Humber region with a wide range of legal issues – including clinical negligence, inquests, serious injury and more. Our team is committed to helping local people get the answers and justice they deserve.

If you have concerns about the care you or a loved one received at or around the time of a TAVI procedure at Castle Hill Hospital, contact us today and ask to speak with Chris Gresswell-Green or a member of his team.

Get in touch with our specialist team to discuss your experience in confidence. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com