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To find your MP please use the link below:
www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/mps_and_lords/alms.cfm
More information about the Safe and Sustainable Programmes
www.specialisedcommissioning.nhs.uk/index.php/safe-and-sustainable-programmes/
Interview with Sam Prior about 35minutes into programme
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p005h9pt/Julian_Clegg_15_12_2009/
Interview with Cecilia Yardley from Children's Heart Federation
approximately 1hr 40 into programme.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8414784.stm
The Future of Children's Cardiac Services
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please Read
“Safe & Sustainable review of Children’s Cardiac Surgery Services”
It is really important for everyone to know there is a national programme underway to review the centres currently performing children’s cardiac surgery.
The review programme has been set up by the National Specialised Commissioning Group (NSCG) who have been instructed by the NHS Management Board & the NHS Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh, to examine the way that children’s heart surgery services and interventional cardiology services are provided in England.
There are currently 11 children’s heart surgery centres in England & the proposals of this programme aim to reduce the existing number of centres performing surgery & creating larger volume centres, increasing the number of patients (cases) with more surgeons operating in each centre. The final proposed recommendations will be put to the NHS Management Board for consideration in July 2010 & implementation of the recommendations will begin in January 2011.
Although Southampton is recognised nationally as a centre of excellence providing safe and high quality care for children with heart problems, we are because of our geographical location a small centre. Southampton may be at risk of losing surgery and interventional cardiology services, which would inevitably result in a reduction in the number of ward beds, and some children having to travel further to receive their care. However, we are fully engaged in this national review and believe we are in a very strong position to meet any requirements set by the review team to become one of the larger surgical centres of excellence.
As parents of children with congenital heart defects it’s important to understand how these changes could affect us & what we can actively do to ensure that any recommendations to change the existing set up are made because they are in the best interests of our children & consider the whole family experience.
How do we do this?
Letters to Local MP’s
I have written a draft letter for you (modify as you please) to forward to your local MP. Highlighting areas of concern to your MP will help ensure that Patients & Parents views and opinions are factored into the final recommendations that will be made by the Specialised Commissioning Group.
There is a link attached for you to find your local MP & their contact details.
If you wish to participate in the public consultation process, which may be the only opportunity for parents & patients to feedback their views & ideas on what we think of the existing service & what we want for the future, I would encourage you to sign up to take part in the Specialised Commissioning Patient Engagement Groups by sending an e-mail to Robin at the address below to register your interest as soon as possible.
Regards
Sam Prior
DOC Download
Draft Letter to Send to your MP