Eastwood says health talks need to secure kids’ cardiac surgery

LONDONDERRY MLA Colum Eastwood says crunch talks between Health Minister Edwin Poots and his southern counterpart James Reilly need to bear fruit and secure the future of paediatric cardiac surgery here.

Minister Poots confirmed to the Assembly on Tuesday that he was exploring how co-operation with health authorities in Dublin could help ensure that an all-island service was available.

Mr Eastwood said it was essential that the Clark Clinic at the Royal hospital remained operational and continued to provide provision to babies and young children in Northern Ireland.

The former Londonderry Mayor was speaking after an online petition established by Eoin Taylor, a former patient at the Clark Clinic, gained in excess of 50,000 signatures.

Mr Eastwood commented: “The campaign to retain paediatric cardiac services in the Clark Clinic has gained a tide of local support and momentum. The online petition championed by Eoin Taylor and his mother Marie have been at the front line of this campaign.”

“The indication by Minister Poots that he is actively exploring all-island cooperation, in order to safeguard the current service, is a step in the right direction. It is precisely what the SDLP have been advocating.”

He said sick babies, sick children and their extended families should not have to fly to Birmingham or London for life-saving surgery.

“Difficult economic choices have and will be faced by government, business and families for the next number of years. This is one choice, however, which should not be blurred or blocked by the prevailing winds of our eroded economic position.

“This is about the protection and the care of our most vulnerable, it is about saving lives. It is a test the Minister and the Executive must meet,” he said.