Local MP Caroline Dinenage is urging people to help save the “exemplary” children’s heart surgery unit in Southampton.
Over 20,000 people have signed the Daily Echo’s Have a Heart petition in just six weeks. They are campaigning against the proposed closure of the world-class specialist unit at the Southampton General Hospital. Despite being ranked second best in the country, the unit is under threat as health chiefs looks to cut the number of centres.
Caroline signed the Echo’s petition this week, and has met with representatives from Southampton General Hospital to show her continued support for the unit.
Caroline said:
“The children’s heart surgery unit is not only a centre for excellence, but is also relied upon for life-saving care for children in our area. It would be a travesty to base closures on geography rather than the quality of care offered. I’m signing the petition to campaign for what’s best for local families, and for the future of child heart surgery across the UK.”
Caroline’s support is added to that of the tens of thousands of hospital staff, GPs, families, schools and others who have already signed the petition. With 12 weeks to go before the end of the consultation, Caroline is now urging more people to show their support for this vital campaign.
The unit at Southampton is considered unique for its links to the on-site maternity service and the best paediatric intensive care unit in the country, as well as its excellent results. Despite this,Southampton is featured in just one of the four options put out for public consultation, which the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts will use to make their decisions on which stay open.