Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has called on Health Minister Michelle O’Neill to provide a commitment that children from Northern Ireland born with congenital heart problems will not be negatively impacted by the decision in England to close three units in Leicester, Manchester and London.
Robin Swann, Chair of Stormont’s All Party Group on Congenital Heart Disease and a father of a child who has required paediatric cardiac surgery, said:
“The majority of elective cardiac procedures on local children are now being carried out by specialist heart centres in England, most commonly in Birmingham. Whilst previously Belfast offered surgery through the Royal, the decision was taken by the last Executive to follow a recommendation to bring that to and end and instead transfer it to Dublin.
“It was a shameful decision to end the provision in Belfast long before capacity existed in Our Lady’s Children Hospital in Dublin. I am deeply concerned with the announced closure of these units in England as it will simply heap even more pressure onto Birmingham.
“Unless resources and capacity are increased in Birmingham I am fearful that families and young people from Northern Ireland will be even more disadvantaged. As such I would call on the Minister here to provide a commitment to families who may require this life-saving service that they will still be seen in a safe and timely manner.”