Such a special place

Over the years I’ve had treatment for my heart condition both within the NHS and also the private sector (Harley Street). In 2007, I came under the expert care of the adult congenital heart team in Southampton.

I cannot truly express my thanks and admiration for the congenital cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital. The team of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, nurses and technicians at Southampton are my heroes!

You may have seen the media coverage, both local and national, regarding the independent review or audit of paediatric cardiac surgery within the UK.

At the moment there are 11 specialist centres carrying out life-saving heart surgery on paediatrics (that’s from birth to age 16-18 years of age). The review has recommended the government reduces the number of specialist centres to six or seven.

Southampton General Hospital’s catchment area includes West Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, also the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands, but is under threat despite being rated the second best centre in the UK for this surgery.

Southampton is mentioned in only one of the four options. Patients and parents are now threatened with having to travel to Bristol or London. This would have a massive impact emotionally and financially.

If anyone would like to help save paediatric cardiac surgery services at Southampton, I would encourage you to download the petition form from: www.oceanward.co.uk

There is also an opportunity to come along and support/express your view at the public consultation meeting on May 24 (3-5pm) at the Guildhall, Southampton. To book a place online please go to: www.eventsforce.net/safeandsustainable

Please keep the services at Southampton.

Jonathan Upton

YACU (Young Adult Cardiac Unit) Support Group for Southampton General Hospital

St Winefride’s Road, Littlehampton