Scotland’s only heart transplant unit has been reopened and given the go-ahead to resume operations.
The move comes after operations at the National Heart Transplant Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary were suspended in December amid fears over a rise in the number of deaths.
The decision to close the unit was taken after four of the 11 patients who received transplants last year died within 30 days of having their operations.
An expert review began in January, and while it was being carried out Scottish patients were switched to the waiting list for the transplant waiting unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The review has now been completed, and the facility has been given a clean bill of health.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board said: “The reviewers concluded that the Glasgow team could resume full services with immediate effect.
“The unit has been given the complete all-clear.”
Andrew Murray, clinical director of cardiothoracic surgery for the West of Scotland, welcomed the news.
“I and the rest of the team at the Scottish National Heart Transplant Unit are delighted that surgery can now resume,” he said.
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