NHS: Heart Valve Disease

Baroness Brinton Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, is taking part remotely. I invite her to ask her supplementary question.

[Baroness Brinton (LD) [V]]

My Lords, the Resuscitation Council UK, the British Cardiovascular Society and the National Council for Palliative Care have excellent and sensitive joint guidance on the use of cardiovascular implants towards the end of life. My family’s experience in different parts of the country shows that not all cardiac surgeons take account of end-of-life care in patients. In one case, a patient was told that she would not be allowed to leave the hospital until she had a pacemaker, despite the fact that, at 88 years old, she did not want one and, two years on, bitterly regrets finally agreeing. Can the Minister say whether the review that she just mentioned will ensure that surgeons follow the guidance and work not only with patients but with their other clinicians?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am sorry to hear the experience that the noble Baroness describes. We are indeed seeking to have a whole-team approach to the whole patient. I absolutely agree with her that it should indeed consider where somebody is in their life stage.