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Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
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David Ward MP <>
David urges Bradford residents to speak up for Leeds Children’s Heart Surgery Unit
June 6, 2011 5:35 PM
Bradford East MP, David Ward, is urging the people of Bradford to have their say in a public consultation on the future of the Children's Heart Surgery Unit in Leeds.
The NHS's "Safe and Sustainable" review of the 11 children's heart surgery units in England has recommended a reduction in the number of units to create fewer, larger centres. It has put forward four options for a four-month public consultation. The unit at Leeds General Infirmary only features in one of the four options.
David Ward is urging people to take part in the consultation, to ensure that their voices are heard on the future of this much-valued service.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"If the Leeds Unit was closed it would have a huge impact on many people in Bradford who would face greatly increased travel times to get essential treatment for their children. I am doing everything I can to raise the issue in Parliament but people in Bradford need to make their voices heard to.
"I would urge as many people as possible to go online and take part in the consultation so that we can send a clear message that closing the Children's Heart Surgery Unit is simply not an option."
"I have backed a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to keep the Leeds unit open and I have written to Andrew Lansley to ask for a pause in the review. I hope as many people as possible will join me in the campaign to keep Leeds Children's Heart Surgery open."
"I am concerned that the consultation is complex and my office would be very happy to help people to get their views across. If you would like help, please contact my office on 01274 403973 to book an appointment." 