Appeal adds to delay for heart unit decision

Health chiefs announced plans last February for a major shake-up of heart surgery for youngsters but a legal challenge by hospital chiefs at a leading London hospital trust forced them to postpone moves that could see operations halted at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The Court of Appeal granted NHS chiefs leave to appeal against a High Court ruling that a consultation they had carried out was flawed and inaccurate and now a full hearing will not take place until March.

Campaigners in Yorkshire said the delay would add to the uncertainty facing families over the fate of the Leeds unit which was originally expected to be decided in November.

Sharon Cheng, director of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund charity which has led the campaign to maintain surgery in the region, said: “There is a lot going on behind the scenes to fight the closure of the unit which provides life-saving facilities to families from across the region and we will continue to do everything we can.

“This delay is another setback to families who are desperate to find out whether they will be forced to travel potentially hundreds of miles for treatment but we urge parents to be patient and continue to support us in our fight to save our surgery.

She added: “For the Yorkshire unit, there is everything still to fight for.”

The review, being carried out by NHS Safe and Sustainable, could leave hundreds of patients travelling to alternative centres in Liverpool, Newcastle or the Midlands if the Leeds unit closed.

The unit has received widespread support including a 600,000-name petition.

Jeremy Glyde, Safe and Sustainable programme director, said health officials, professional associations and parent groups had highlighted the importance of reaching a decision quickly.

“We are pleased the Court of Appeal has acknowledged the urgency of this case by scheduling the hearing as soon as possible.

“We recognise that further delay is undesirable particularly for families and NHS staff,” he said.

If the appeal was successful, a decision over the future of children’s heart surgery services would be made in the spring.