THE man behind controversial proposal to close child heart surgery services in Yorkshire is to be quizzed by regional health watchdogs.

The meeting comes following last week’s decision to move the lifesaving service from Leeds General Infirmary to Newcastle, meaning parents in York and the surrounding region face much longer journeys with seriously ill children.

The joint health “watchdog” representing every local authority in the Yorkshire and Humber region has now secured a face-to-face meeting with Sir Neil McKay, chairman of the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts.

Councillor Jim Clark, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council’s Scrutiny of Health Committee, said the meeting was a “very hopeful step forward” and would allow the region to put its concerns to Sir Neil in person, and to “examine his arguments in great detail”.

He said: “The LGI unit is a highly valued resource, and its closure would be a serious blow for the whole region. We will be making representations to the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, to try to prevent the closure going ahead.

“In the meantime, securing a personal appearance by Sir Neil gives us some hope that we will be able to demonstrate how misguided the proposal is, and how deeply damaging its implementation would be for the welfare of the people of Yorkshire and the Humber.”

Myriam Barker, 39, from York, whose five-year-old daughter Margaux had open heart surgery at LGI, said parents like her had not given up hope. She said: I was delighted to hear about the meeting. I definitely still have hope.”

Proponents of the closure have said streamlining the service will concentrate expertise and ensure a higher standard of treatment.