Monaldi Hospital in Naples Partners with Bambino Gesù for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Revitalization
Naples, March 7, 2026 – The Monaldi Hospital in Naples, part of the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, has officially solidified a collaborative agreement with the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital of Rome. This strategic partnership aims to significantly strengthen and relaunch the pediatric cardiac surgery activities at Monaldi, a crucial step in enhancing healthcare services for young patients in the Campania region.
A Response to Critical Needs and a Tragic Event
The agreement, formally requested by the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, comes in the wake of the tragic case involving young Domenico, a patient whose situation underscored the urgent need for reinforced pediatric cardiac care. While the collaboration between these two institutions is not entirely new, building on existing scientific and clinical ties, this convention marks a structured and intensified phase of their relationship. It is envisioned as a catalyst for a new era of development in Monaldi’s pediatric cardiac surgery unit.
Specialized Team from Rome to Naples
Under the terms of the agreement, a highly specialized team from Bambino Gesù will be stationed at Monaldi Hospital for the next three months. This dedicated team will comprise four key professionals: a cardiac surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a scrub nurse, and a perfusionist. These roles are deemed essential for managing complex cases and performing advanced cardiac surgical procedures. The team will work in close integration with Monaldi’s existing professionals, contributing to the consolidation of clinical activities and the transfer of critical expertise. Should the need arise, the collaboration can be further augmented with additional specialists, including another cardiac surgeon and an anesthesiologist.
Ensuring Continuity and Quality of Care
Anna Iervolino, General Director of the Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, emphasized the proactive nature of this agreement. “The possibility that this dramatic event could have repercussions on cardiac surgical activity pushed the Company to immediately verify all possible solutions, internal and external to the hospital,” she stated. “We immediately activated a collaboration with one of the most authoritative pediatric centers at a national level.” The primary objective is to ensure the full operational capacity of the service, safeguarding patients, and further strengthening a strategic sector of the hospital. Iervolino concluded by expressing gratitude to the General Director and Health Director of Bambino Gesù for their significant efforts, collaboration, and solidarity in prioritizing patient care.
Legal Inquiries and Parental Appeals
Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue regarding the circumstances surrounding Domenico Caliendo’s case. Attorney Francesco Petruzzi, representing the Caliendo family, indicated that preliminary findings suggest a potentially incorrect drug dosage administered by an anesthesiologist at Bolzano Hospital may have damaged Domenico’s heart before it was erroneously cryopreserved with dry ice. This information emerged from reports by inspectors from the Ministry of Health and the CNT following inspections at Monaldi and Bolzano. Petruzzi stated that an autopsy will clarify these details, though he maintained that this does not alter the framework of responsibility for the Monaldi team. He also noted that the Naples team reportedly departed without a perfusionist, and while Dr. Farina requested another person to perform the infusion, she also indicated the amount and duration of the infusion. The infusion was reportedly halted when a surgeon from Innsbruck noted swelling of the liver and heart, subsequently intervening to resolve the situation.
In a separate development, 186 parents of children with heart conditions have issued a strong appeal to end the “media lynching” against Professor Guido Oppido. These parents, whose children have benefited from pediatric cardiac surgery, highlighted the relentless media scrutiny following Domenico’s tragedy. They emphasized that many children owe their lives to the dedication of medical professionals like Professor Oppido, and that the current media narrative risks undermining an entire network of care vital for their children’s well-being. They called for respect, responsibility, and for the truth to be ascertained through proper channels, without destroying the hope of those awaiting treatment.
This comprehensive agreement between Monaldi and Bambino Gesù represents a significant step towards reinforcing pediatric cardiac care in Naples, aiming to provide the highest quality of service and rebuild trust within the community.
