Hamilton Health Sciences has paused scheduled tonsil and adenoid surgical procedures for patients under the age of 18 at McMaster Children’s Hospital, as of Tuesday June 4, 2024. HHS is pausing this program out of an abundance of caution, after two pediatric deaths following discharge from tonsil and/or adenoid surgery at McMaster Children’s Hospital. We want to extend our deepest condolences to these families.
While there is no apparent connection between these two cases, we are also undertaking a comprehensive review of our pediatric program for tonsil and adenoid surgeries. Only emergency pediatric tonsil and adenoid surgeries will proceed. All adult ear, nose, throat (ENT) surgeries are proceeding. The ENT Clinic also remains operational.
We recognize that this is a difficult message for our patients and families. Patient safety is the most important priority at our hospital and we will only resume scheduled surgeries once the review is complete. We are now in the process of contacting patients and families about their scheduled surgeries. For those who have questions about their tonsil and/or adenoid surgery, they may follow up with their care provider as needed.
Patients/families may also contact the Hamilton Health Sciences Patient Experience department at patientexperience@hhsc.ca or 905-521-2100 ext. 75240.