Brian Holmes died at Castle Hill Hospital in Hull after a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant (TAVI) procedure in 2019. His family alleges the hospital issued two death certificates, the second omitting the failed TAVI procedure as a contributing factor to his death, suggesting a cover-up. An unpublished Royal College of Physicians (RCP) review found "poor clinical decision making at every stage" of Mr. Holmes' care, citing the TAVI's incorrect placement as a critical error. The family was initially told the TAVI became stuck, not that it was incorrectly positioned.

Eleven deaths followed TAVI procedures at Castle Hill between 2019 and 2023, with a further six deaths since July 2024. The hospital's mortality rate is above the national average, and Humberside Police are investigating the TAVI service following evidence that patient deaths and complications were withheld from relatives. Seven families have instructed Hudgell Solicitors to act on their behalf.

The NHS trust running the hospital said it could not comment on individual cases but stated that amending death certificates after discussions with a coroner's officer is not uncommon. However, the RCP review criticized the second death certificate's inaccuracy and lack of coroner referral. The hospital's mortality rate for 2024 and the first half of 2025 was 2.2%, compared to a UK-wide average of 1.3%. Both the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS England were aware of problems with the TAVI service.

Impact Statement: This case raises serious concerns about patient safety and transparency within the NHS, potentially impacting public trust and leading to further investigations and legal action.