We’re so pleased to report NHS England has given the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit the official green light to stay open.
NHSE today confirmed it is satisfied with the progress of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in meeting standards for congenital heart disease services introduced in 2016.
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund were instrumental in keeping the Unit open in 2013 through the successful Save our Surgery campaign.
And thanks to generous donations from you – our supporters – for almost three decades, we will be celebrating its 30th anniversary of supporting patients and their families in 2018.
Sharon Coyle, CEO of CHSF said:
We are thrilled to hear today’s news, as finally, the families of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire have certainty.
Without the support of our families, patients, community, MPs, councillors and corporate partners over the years, we wouldn’t be open today.
We must now look to the future and our aim is to carry on supporting the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit in reaching the new standards set out by NHSE.
And LTHT Chief Executive Julian Hartley said:
This news is very welcome – we are delighted that we can now confirm our ongoing status as a provider of this vital service.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our staff at the Leeds congenital heart surgery unit: they have continued to provide world class treatment and care for our patients throughout.
I’d also like to thank our supporters and advocates, particularly the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, who have helped us to reach this point.
A massive thankyou to everyone who continue to support the charity and Heart Unit, and keep your eyes peeled for news on our 30th anniversary celebrations for next year!