Annex A > Chapter 11 - Referrals > Referrals to Bristol from South Wales > Concerns

Concerns [207]

195 Some (five out of 27) referring paediatricians in Wales cited concerns about the standard of care at Bristol as a factor influencing their referral pattern.

196 Professor I Hughes [208] told the Inquiry:

`I had formed an impression that the service for complex cardiac cases was less than satisfactory if only on the basis that the pattern of referral of any cases from Cardiff utilised centres other than Bristol ... That transportation of cases to Southampton which would have travelled past Bristol is illustrative of the concern prevalent at that time regarding services in Bristol.'

197 Dr C Weaver [209] said:

`My patients were mainly referred to GOS [Great Ormond Street Hospital] or to Southampton; personal acquaintance with a cardiologist in London was part of the reason for the referral pattern ... I do have one recollection of a rather unsatisfactory post-operative arrangement when a baby needed emergency admission on my "intake", who had recently undergone cardiac surgery in Bristol ... Even after telephone discussion (I believe with Mr Wisheart) there seemed to be a certain lack of support and interest.'

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Footnotes

[207] Concerns are set out in detail in Chapters 20-30. The extent to which any concerns of referring paediatricians may have influenced their referral patterns is set out here for completeness

[208] Professor of Paediatrics, Cambridge, formerly Department of Child Health, Cardiff, REF 0001 0100 - 0101

[209] Consultant paediatrician, formerly at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, REF 0001 0106 - 0107