Safe and sustainable review into paediatic cardiac services

The Public Consultation began on the 28th of February and will continue until 1st July. You can access all the background information on the Consultation and how to go about getting involved, by visiting http://www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/safe_sustainable/public-consultation-2011. There is an excellent video (about 8 minutes long) on the website explaining the “Case for Change” and aims of the review (which features one of our own members – Tom Sexton!) – just scroll down the page and click to play.

During the Consultation period, you will have the opportunity to have your say on the proposals for Paediatric Cardiac care in England in 3 ways. Firstly there are a number of Public Engagement events being held round the county, and we encourage as many ECHO members to attend and help influence the future of your child’s and all heart-children’s care in this country. You can find details of the events and book your place by clicking on the following link: https://www.eventsforce.net/rslive/frontend/reg/tOtherPage.csp?pageID=72869&eventID=339&eventID=339

Additionally, there will be three events held especially to gain the views of young people with heart conditions. If your child is aged 14 or over and would like to take part, please follow this link to book your places:
https://www.eventsforce.net/rslive/frontend/reg/tOtherPage.csp?pageID=72869&eventID=339&eventID=339

For the London Young People’s event on the 19th March, the Children’s Heart Federation (CHF) will be taking participants on the “London Duck Tour” (the fantastic amphibious craft which tours the area in and around the River Thames). If your teenager registers for the London event, please let us at ECHO know and we will pass on their details to CHF.

Secondly, you can visit the Ipsos/Mori website and complete the questionnaire online: http://surveys.ipsosinteractive.com/wix/p904445602.aspx

Thirdly, you can request a hard copy of the questionnaire to be sent to you by post by contacting Grayling Communications on 020 7025 7520 or email: nhsspecialisedservices@grayling.com

Once the Consultation period has expired, an independent third party will collect all the responses and a comprehensive analysis will be published in a final report. The Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts will consider the report carefully to help them evaluate the four options and make a final decision. We expect a final decision to be made later in 2011. Any changes to children’s congenital heart services are expected in 2013.

We hope to see you at your local event!

Best wishes,

JO WILSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE