Tonsil and adenoid surgical program resuming at MCH

On June 4, 2024, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) paused all scheduled tonsil and adenoid surgeries for pediatric patients following the deaths of two children who had undergone tonsil and/or adenoid surgery at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH). The HHS community is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of these children and extends our sympathies to their families.

HHS engaged a panel of independent experts to conduct a comprehensive review of its pediatric ear, nose and throat surgical service for tonsil and adenoid surgeries to ensure that the program, when re-initiated, can deliver safe care through leading practices. The review is now complete and did not identify any specific actions, absence of actions, quality of care concerns, or systems issues that directly or indirectly contributed to the two deaths.

MCH will resume pediatric tonsil and adenoid surgeries as of Monday October 7.

Alongside the external review, HHS conducted internal quality of care reviews in an effort to see what we could learn from these cases, which will inform changes to our policies and procedures. HHS takes these incidents and experiences very seriously and is confident that these changes will help to ensure that we are delivering the best care and experience for patients and their families.

HHS remains committed to its mission to provide excellent health care for the people and communities we serve and recognizes the impact that the temporary pause of the program has had on patients and families. Our team is now in the process of contacting our patients and families to schedule their surgeries. We thank them for their patience and understanding.