A review of paediatric surgery at Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, has found no evidence of a major clinical failure in the treatment of patients during 1984-99. The independent review was called for after statistical evidence presented to the Bristol Royal Infirmary public inquiry suggested that there was excess mortality among child patients treated for congenital heart problems at the Harefield Hospital during this period.

The consultant leading the review warned, however, that failing institutions are difficult to identify because the current national system of collecting clinical outcomes is inadequate.

Dr Stewart Hunter, consultant in paediatric cardiology at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle …