70 deaths too many: Zurich hospital scandal
At the University Hospital Zurich’s Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, there were around 70 more deaths between 2016 and 2020 than would be expected based on statistical estimates, according to a recently published investigative report. The document criticises poor hospital management, conflicts of interest and the inappropriate use of cardiac implants which the clinic's director at the time, Francesco Maisano, had helped to develop. The press examines causes and accountability.
Flawed culture of accountability
The hospital management completely failed in its duties, NZZ concludes:
“The young innovator was supposed to put Zurich's cardiac surgery back on the map. Those in charge barely questioned whether he was capable of running a hospital, or whether his numerous conflicts of interest might lead to problems. That may be a forgivable mistake; promoting innovation is important for a hospital. But the real problem is that the hospital management failed to correct its mistake once it became evident. It stuck with Maisano against its better judgement, took only half-hearted measures and failed to enforce or monitor their implementation. ... A clear expression of a flawed culture of accountability.”
Cutting-edge medicine needs more scrutiny
Healing patients is not the main focus at university hospitals, Blick explains:
“It's all about research funding, rankings and reputation. You don't need the best surgeons for these objectives, but the most ambitious researchers. That's a crucial difference. Because often someone who is known as a 'top surgeon' is in fact a top researcher who also performs operations. The operating theatre becomes a laboratory. The patient is no longer a human being, but simply a case. An organ. An opportunity to test the next new method, write the next paper, enhance your prestige. In this way, small kingdoms emerge within large hospitals. ... Brilliant minds – and narcissistic personalities who see dissent as an attack. ... This is precisely why cutting-edge medicine needs more scrutiny, more courage for contradiction.”