Critically ill children in Oxford are being transported 80 miles for vital surgery after the suspension of a city doctor.

Paediatric heart surgeon Ravi Pillai left the John Radcliffe following allegations that he was drunk at work and threatened nurses.

But while hospital managers investigate the complaints by the Royal College of Nursing, youngsters waiting for cardiac treatment are being sent to Southampton General Hospital for operations.

Two children have been transferred already.

Mr Pillai, of Boars Hill, Oxford, is one of two surgeons who care for children at the Oxford Heart Centre.

And after he was suspended in December, the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which is responsible for the JR, made links with consultants in Southampton to cover emergencies.

Trust chief executive John MacDonald said there were no immediate problems.

He said: "This type of surgery can be planned and patients are not in situations where they are rushed into theatre in minutes and this means we can plan operations.

"However, we have made sure that when someone does need treatment, it is on hand for them. We have established links with Southampton covering any emergencies."

A spokesman at Southampton said the hospital was a centre of regional excellence for both cardiac and paediatric care.

He said it was unlikely that the referrals would cause problems.

Was your child transferred to Southampton for vital heart surgery? If so, please call Health Reporter Victoria Owen on 01865 425426 or e-mail vowen@nqo.com

Story date: Wednesday 02 February

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