CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

HEALTH – CHILDREN'S HEART UNIT IN SOUTHAMPTON - 26 April 2011

HEALTH – CHILDREN'S HEART UNIT IN SOUTHAMPTON - 26 April 2011

Dr Julian Lewis: When the consultation on the future of children's heart surgery units is complete, will the Secretary of State bear it in mind that it would be a preposterous and perverse conclusion that the unit in Southampton, which is one of the two best in the country, should be threatened with closure?

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): I am, of course, aware of these issues, which have been raised by colleagues on both sides of the House. At this stage, may I simply reiterate that the consultation team should consider the points that I know my hon. Friend and others are making to it? After the consultation team has fully reflected on all the points, I hope Members will be able to see that it has fully taken them into account in whatever proposals it brings forward.]