Belfast Trust Health and Social Care Trust recognises that waiting to come into hospital for surgery can be an anxious time for patients, their families, and carers. We accept that in particular, this may be so for anyone waiting to come in for cardiac surgery.
We would like to assure you that the Cardiac Surgical Service in the Royal Victoria Hospital is a clinically safe service which has excellent outcomes for our patients. We know this because it is proven by all our benchmarking data against other cardiac surgical units, and by patient feedback.
When you come into our care, you will receive kind, compassionate and effective care from a team of dedicated and passionate professionals. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) which you may find helpful. Alternatively, you may wish to contact the Patient and Client Council (PCC) for additional support on telephone: 0800 917 0222 or email: info@pcc-ni.net.
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I am aware that the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Cardiac Surgical Unit has been in the news recently. What exactly is the issue?
An external review of the Cardiac Surgery Unit was carried out between January and the end of March 2025. There were two principal tasks – to review patient safety and team working.
The unit was confirmed as clinically safe, with excellent outcomes for patients and the technical skills of the staff were recognised. This is confirmed by regional and national data, were we are compared to other cardiac surgical units. It is also confirmed by patient feedback which is consistently positive ranging from 98-100% satisfaction with their care.
However, the review did identify there were wholly unacceptable behaviours in a small number of staff which needed to be dealt with. Staff told the review team that these behaviours were having an impact on the whole team. Belfast Trust absolutely accepts this and steps have been taken to address this issue.
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What is the Trust doing to address these issues?
The external report provided recommendations which the Trust has accepted and will implement, working in collaboration with staff and feedback from patients.
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Is the Royal Victoria Hospital Cardiac Surgical Unit still safe for patients?
Yes, the external report identified the service is clinically safe with excellent patient outcomes. The technical skills of the staff were also recognised.
This is confirmed by regional and national data – in other words, when Belfast Trust is compared to other cardiac surgical units. It is also confirmed by patient feedback which is consistently positive ranging from 98-100% satisfaction.
If you have any concerns regarding your recent care or upcoming surgery please do not hesitate to contact your consultant’s secretary via the Trust switchboard on Tel: (028) 9024 0503 and a member of staff will give you a call back.
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Does the cardiac surgical unit still have a full complement of staff?
The cardiac surgical unit remains fully staffed. When you come into our care, you will be cared for by more than 200 dedicated and professional staff each of whom will strive to ensure your experience with us is a good one.
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Will the surgeon who has provided my care to-date still undertake my surgery?
Every effort is made to ensure continuity of care for all patients. If there are any unforeseen circumstances the service will inform you and involve you in your care plan.
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Will my appointment or surgery be affected, postponed or cancelled?
All cardiac surgery services are continuing to provide a regular and normal service. All surgery and appointments are planned in advance. If there are any unforeseen circumstances that may impact patients, the service will ensure that patients are kept informed and offered an alternative date.
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What particular surgeries/procedures are impacted?
There are no particular surgeries or procedures impacted as a result of this review. Outpatient clinics and surgical procedures continue as normal and patients continue to be admitted from across Northern Ireland for major cardiac surgical procedures.
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I am on the waiting list for cardiac surgery, will my surgery be delayed?
Your surgery will not be delayed as a result of this review. In general and across all specialties, we know people are waiting for surgery longer than we would like. The cardiac surgery service continues to regularly review and monitor waiting times and waiting lists to ensure patients are treated in a timely manner. However, if you believe you are waiting longer than anticipated please contact the waiting list office on Tel: 028 9615 6283 and a member of Trust staff will help with your enquiry.
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Do many people complain about the cardiac surgical service they have received?
In the last 12 months the service has provided care to approximately 790 patients undergoing major cardiac surgery and have received less than 5 formal complaints. All complaints received are taken seriously and are investigated fully.
The service undertakes real-time patient feedback which indicates patients are very happy with the service they receive.
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What do I do if I have any concerns during my care in the unit?
If you have any concerns or worries about any aspect of your care, please tell us. Staff on the ward, theatres, and critical care will endeavour to address any issues you may have. Please ask to speak to the nurse in charge, or senior manager who will help you.
In addition, the Trust’s complaints department will also make every effort to assist you. They are available on Tel: 028 9504 8000 (10am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm) Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
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Will my aftercare be impacted in any way?
Your aftercare will not be impacted. We will continue to provide the appropriate care in line with your needs.
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How can I access personalised information about my specific case?
The Trust fully supports a patient’s right to access records. If a patient has a request that cannot be managed by contacting the ward or consultant secretary they will be redirected to the right point of contact for accessing their records.
Patients can also access My Care, a patient app, where you can view your personalised information such as medications, appointments and test results, although it excludes information held by your GP. To access My Care visit this link to download the app.