Hartford hospital resumes elective heart surgeries

Hartford, CT-based St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center restarted its non-emergency cardiac surgery program after receiving approval from the state Department of Public Health. The hospital suspended its elective cardiac surgery program July 2 at the recommendation of state health officials. The health department is still investigating the hospital but has reviewed St. Francis' cardiac surgery program and is confident that it can operate safely, Connecticut health department spokeswoman Diana Lejardi said.