Medical Center Suspends Elective Heart Surgery

HARTFORD (AP) — St Francis Hospital and Medical Center has suspended all elective heart surgery for the time being.

The decision announced Monday follows the recommendation of the state Department of Public Health, which has raised some questions of quality of care.

A statement from the hospital says the health department recommended the suspension to provide time to review the maintenance records of heart-lung machines in the operating room. It also says the suspended surgery will allow operating room staff to get more training on policies, procedures, and emergency measures.

A hospital spokeswoman says the state raised concerns about the maintenance and training of staff on the equipment.