RCN comments on children's cardiac services in Leeds

Published: 07 March 2013

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today responded to news that the High Court has accepted a challenge to the review of children’s cardiac services in Leeds.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:

“The Royal College of Nursing believes that concentrating surgical expertise and developing expert cardiology services gives children with complex heart conditions the best quality care.  In addition, many children often have other complex conditions alongside heart problems, so it is vital that there are experienced and highly trained teams of nurses and surgeons in these centres.

“Today’s ruling demonstrates the strength of feeling which parents understandably have when change is considered.  However it is important that these issues are resolved quickly, to ensure that every child receives the expert care which will give them the best possible chance.”

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Notes for Editors

1.For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2.      The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations