AS the campaign for the Chldren’s Heartbeat Trust consultation gatheres momentum, Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has called on people to participate in the consultation on the future of paediatric cardiac care services at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Ms Ruane said: “The future of paediatric cardiac surgery is a very serious issue and will impact many, many people.
“The Health Committee brought a motion to the Assembly initiated by Sinn Féin calling on the Minister to fully explore an all-island solution with Dublin and this was fully supported by all parties.
“Instead of sending patients to England for surgery which is placing additional strain on the health budget while causing undue stress to families and patients who have to travel, the Minister will now be examining the option of a first class all Ireland service providing the necessary care and treatment for children with serious heart problems.
“I am supporting the message of keeping paediatric cardiac care services on the island of Ireland. At present the Health and Social Care Services have begun a 12 week consultation that will help shape the views on the future of paediatric care”
“The consultation document can be accessed at www.hscboard.hscni.net/consult/PCCS_Consultation and replies can be sent to pccsconsultation@hscni.net.
“I would encourage people to make their views known to the board so that the outcome can reflect those views.”
