OXFORD’S MPs are backing the campaign to retain the partnership between Oxford and Southampton hospitals which could secure children’s heart services.
Ministers have set out four options detailing how fewer surgical centres would work with other hospitals designated as cardiology centres.
Campaigners in Oxford are concerned that if partner hospital Southampton is not selected as a centre for children’s heart surgery, medical expertise would be lost from the county.
The Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts has been conducting a review into the reconfiguration of children’s heart surgery and yesterday MPs backed a motion urging the committee “not to restrict itself to the four options outlined in the review, but instead to consider further options in making its final recommendations.”
In the debate, Andrew Smith, MP for Oxford East, quoted from yesterday’s Oxford Mail leader, which said: “If Southampton loses out in the Government shake-up of children’s heart services then so does Oxford.”
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood also spoke in the debate.
Mr Smith told fellow MPs that the joint network of care enabled local children who have surgery in Southampton to receive follow-up care and support services in excellent facilities at the Oxford Children’s Hospital with them being able to progress as they grow older to the Oxford Heart Centre.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here