CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

HEALTH – CHILDREN'S HEART UNIT IN SOUTHAMPTON - 12 July 2011

HEALTH – CHILDREN'S HEART UNIT IN SOUTHAMPTON - 12 July 2011

Dr Julian Lewis: How can a consultation process on children's heart units that includes the best unit in the country outside London, at Southampton general hospital, in only one out of four options and disregards the population of the Isle of Wight completely be anything other than fundamentally flawed?

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns): As my hon. Friend will know from the debate that we had in the House a few weeks ago, it would be inappropriate for me to comment, because I must in no way be seen to be prejudging the issue. The inquiry and consultation is independent. However, I can say to him that the inquiry is not fixed on determining only four sites if the results of its consultation suggest that there should be more. The decision rests with the inquiry.]