We carried out an investigation into the cardiothoracic surgical unit of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, following concerns over higher than expected mortality rates and doubts that had been raised about the unit's performance over a number of years.

The investigation used information held in the national cardiac database to analyse mortality rates for heart surgery at Oxford Radcliffe compared with other UK trusts. This analysis showed that the mortality rates for this period were within expected limits when compared with other trusts.

However, the investigation did find that the unit lacked some key components of a high quality service, and needed to make improvements if it was to reclaim its reputation as a centre of excellence.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below:

• Investigation into cardiothoracic surgical services at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust
• Oxford Radcliffe investigation: Action plan