NY hospital cardiac program halted

New York State Department of Health has sent a cease-and-desist order to the pediatric cardiac unit of Stony Brook University Hospital. The order is the result of three patient deaths since May: A "one-year-old who died from a medication overdose, a seven-year-old who died after routine adenoid surgery and a premature 23-week baby with a heart defect who died after not receiving an operation," according to Modern Healthcare. Regulators say that Stony Brook lacks a full-time pediatric cardiac surgeon and hasn't properly monitored patients after surgery. Hospital officials are complying with the order but say the program is strong and that patients experience excellent outcomes. The Health Department is planning a Sept. 28 hearing regarding the matter. 

- check out this Modern Healthcare report for more background on Stony Brook