Local MP Julian Sturdy has welcomed today’s announcement that Leeds Heart Unit is now secure, following years of controversy and uncertainty. NHS England has now decided that Leeds will be one of ten hospitals across the country that will provide specialist congenital heart surgery as long as new care standards are met.
NHS England has also pledged to support the Leeds Heart Unit, which is already close to meeting the required standards set for 2019. Mr Sturdy, along with MPs from across Yorkshire, has been fighting to keep the Unit open for years and campaigners have been reassured that they will not have to travel further afield to other centres like Newcastle for life-saving treatment.
Welcoming the news today, Mr Sturdy said “It is fantastic that years of uncertainty are coming to an end and local campaigners from York will be delighted with the news. I know how hardworking, caring and dedicated the staff are at Leeds Heart Unit and I am delighted that their hard work has now been recognised.”
“Going forward, I will continue to work closely with the Unit to make sure that they continue to provide high quality treatment, which young patients and their families have told me is superb.”