NHS: Children’s Congenital Heart Services

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd July 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the noble Baroness makes an extremely important point. I know that NHS England is cognisant of the need to ensure not only that parents are included in this consultation but that there is a system going forward which will inform parents appropriately.

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath]

My Lords, I refer the House to my health interests as set out in the register of interests. In the mantra of the market in the health service, which the noble Earl and his party are so wedded to, can he tell me when the Competition Commission can be expected to intervene in this issue, given that under the market mantra the decision to reduce the number of children’s heart centres reduces choice?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, before I answer that, perhaps I may be so bold as to offer the noble Lord my congratulations on his silver wedding anniversary. I recognise why he has asked that question. It is too early to prejudge the final outcome of NHS England’s review, and I should stress that there is no preconceived result in its head. What I can say is that NHS England will need to engage with all key stakeholders throughout this review, including around any competition considerations.