MP supports Royal Brompton heart surgery campaign

7th November 2011
MP supports Royal Brompton heart surgery campaign

Gordon Henderson MP recently visited a youngster from Iwade whilst he was receiving treatment at the world class Royal Brompton Hospital in London.

Royal Brompton are currently fighting the planned closure of their children’s heart unit. The closure was announced at the end of a consultation process by the Joint Committee of the Primary Care Trusts of England as part of a national review aimed at streamlining paediatric congenital cardiac surgery services around the country.

Seven year old, Jacob Pridmore, suffers from a rare lung disorder that affects just one child in every four million. Jacob’s consultant, Dr Claire Hogg, explained to Mr Henderson how the loss of children’s heart services will have devastating knock-on effects for respiratory services and children like Jacob who rely on access to paediatric intensivists and anaesthetists.

Jacob’s mum, Collette Pridmore, has been campaigning with other patients and their families against the unit’s closure:

“Jacob has received outstanding care from the Royal Brompton, in particular, from Jacob's consultant Dr Claire Hogg, over the last five years. The unit’s closure would have a massive effect on our family.

“As Jacob’s parents we were delighted when Gordon Henderson agreed to visit the Royal Brompton Hospital. Few MP's have taken the time out of their busy schedule to visit the unit and to see firsthand the wonderful work this hospital is doing for young children.”

Mr Henderson said,

“I found my visit to the Royal Brompton Hospital very informative and it was an honour to meet the hard-working and highly skilled staff on the PICU and Children’s Ward. Collette spoke very highly of the excellent treatment her son, Jacob, received.

“I also enjoyed meeting Jacob and I look forward to visiting him at St Peter's Catholic Primary School when he is better.”