Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts

Tuesday 10th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Burns]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his suggestion, but I am afraid that I do not share his view. As he knows, there will be a review of adult services, but it has always been considered most appropriate to deal with paediatric cardiac services before adult care, and that is what we will continue to do.

[Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

Although the paediatric heart unit at Southampton general hospital is rated the best in the country outside London, it was included in only one of four options under the review. In the past, the Minister has helpfully hinted he might not be confined to considering only those four options. Can he expand on that?

[Mr Burns]

I can expand on it by saying that it will not be me who considers the options. As I have told my hon. Friend before, this is an independent review. However, as he suggests, the JCPCT may decide on four, six or seven possible sites. It all depends on what the consultation produces, and the clinical decision on what is the most appropriate number of sites, which will happen eventually.

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his championing of Southampton general hospital as the local Member of Parliament.