Worthing Hospital Team Praised After Saving Six-Year-Old’s Life on Boxing Day

(c) University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

A group of consultant cardiologists who usually treat adults have been hailed heroes after helping save the life of a six-year-old child at Worthing Hospital on Boxing Day.

The child was rushed to the Emergency Department with suspected cardiac tamponade – a rare and life-threatening condition where fluid builds up around the heart.

Despite not being on call, consultant cardiologist Dr Marian Bencat and members of the adult cardiology team responded immediately and worked alongside paediatric specialists to deliver urgent treatment.

Due to the child’s critical condition and the out-of-hours timing, the team had to perform an ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis in the Emergency Department rather than a specialist theatre.

The complex procedure successfully removed fluid from around the heart.

Medical teams praised the fast thinking, collaboration and expertise shown by staff from multiple departments, describing it as a powerful example of teamwork under pressure.

The child was stabilised and given the best possible chance of recovery thanks to the swift response.