Further to our previous report about the threat to the Children’s Heart Surgery unit at Southampton Hospital, this in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for children’s services has backed calls for children’s heart services to be retained at Southampton Hospital.
Cllr Dawn Cousins is echoing the view of the NHS IW that the facility should remain at Southampton both because it is close to the Island and also because of the high quality service provided there.
The Government is currently consulting on options to provide child care in its Safe and Sustainable review into Children’s Congenital Heart Services.
Only one proposed model envisages services remaining at Southampton and it is this option that Cllr Cousins wishes to see adopted.
Southampton is best for the Islanders both now and in the future
“I wholeheartedly support the view of the NHS that maintaining the service at Southampton is best for the Islanders both now and in the future,” Cllr Cousins said.
“Of course Southampton is the closest specialist heart facility to the Island which means travel time for patients and their families is kept to a minimum. But of equal if not greater significance is the fact that the quality of the service provided at Southampton Hospital is so high.
“Keeping this facility in Southampton is right for the Island and also right for the region. There is still time to make views known and I would urge all Islanders to read the review document and to have their say.”
The review document can be viewed online.
The consultation closes on 1st July 2011.
