A CONSULTATION has begun into the future of children’s heart surgery in England after a review last year was dismissed by the Government as flawed

There was strong opposition to the NHS Safe & Sustainable review, which suggested the service should end at three hospitals.

The move would have meant Leeds General Infirmary was among those due to close but after the intervention of health secretary Jeremy Hunt – and a campaign by parents – the plan was shelved.

Children from across North Yorkshire and the surrounding region are treated in Leeds. 

It has been announced that new standards have been drawn up with patients, patient groups and staff from affected hospitals.

They focus on surgery for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) – birth defects that affect the normal workings of the heart. There are ten hospitals which currently provide CHD surgery. They include Leeds General Infirmary and Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

A decision on whether hospitals will close or remain open could be made by spring next year, it has been reported.

Sharon Cheng, CEO of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, said: “We welcome NHS England’s launch of this new consultation into congenital heart surgery provision across England and Wales, and are delighted that the review now includes adult care alongside that of children. Obviously, it’s early days for the consultation process and so we’re not yet able to comment on how effectively NHS England is engaging with patients, families and the general public within that consultation.”

She appealed to NHS England to be more open and proactive in communication to make sure all sections of the population can be represented.