NEWS that children's heart surgery will restart at Leeds General Infirmary has been welcomed, but campaigners have warned that the fight continues to save the threatened facility.
Following lengthy discussions on Thursday between NHS England, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the NHS Trust Development Authority, and the Care Quality Commission, a decision was made to restart surgery on the site early next week subject to independent assurance of concerns raised.
It had been suspended unexpectedly last Thursday – just 24 hours after a High Court ruled it should stay open following a battle to save it in an NHS shake-up of children's heart units.
Mortality figures – said by campaigners to be inaccurate – came to light and led to the decision to suspend surgery, but following a series of meeting, that will now be lifted.
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers welcomed the news but said the fight to save the unit is not over yet.
He added: "Clearly there were some doubts about the decision taken by Sir Bruce Keogh to suspend surgery at Leeds last week and I welcome the news that it is being lifted.
"The fight will go on and it's essential that we do everything to keep up pressure and ensure the unit stays open."
Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said: "I'm very glad to hear surgery is being resumed. It is good news for parents, children and the consultants living in our area.
"I believe there was a plot in place to destroy the unit at Leeds and now the decision to any problems can be considered in a calm and serious manner."
Meanwhile, Sharon Cheng of campaign group Save Our Surgery, added: "We are asking that surgery be resumed as early as possible next week so that patients and families, who have been so worried through this suspension period, can be reassured that the unit is operating safely, and that planned treatments will be able to proceed. Many children are reliant on the Leeds unit for urgent or on-going treatment, so the sooner normal service can be resumed, the better."
Over the weekend, agencies will be working together to provide sufficient assurance that the service is safe and can therefore re-open next week. Maggie Boyle, Chief Executive of the Trust said: "I am extremely confident that this service is safe and effective and should recommence at the earliest opportunity. I want partner organisations to be as confident in the service as I am."
