§ 8. Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to visit Derriford hospital, Plymouth to discuss cardiac surgery.
§ Mr. SackvilleMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to visit Derriford hospital, but she maintains a close interest in the issue of a possible second cardiac unit for the south-west.
§ Mr. StreeterIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a growing sense of anticipation in the south-west as we look 127 forward to Derriford hospital becoming an NHS trust in April, thus going from one degree of excellence to another? Is he aware that he could make our joy complete by confirming at an early stage that Derriford hospital will have its own cardiac surgery unit to service people in Devon and Cornwall? When will that announcement be made?
§ Mr. SackvilleI congratulate my hon. Friend on his persistent advocacy of a second cardiac unit. It is common ground between us that it is unsatisfactory for people to travel long distances for heart surgery from the south-west to Oxford, London or, indeed, Bristol. However, he must recognise that a case must be made. It is generally thought that no cardiac surgery unit would be viable without perhaps 750 surgical cases per year split between three consultants. A business case has been made. We hope that it will come to the Department in the next few days, and I hope that there will be an early decision.
§ Mr. JamiesonIs the Minister aware that Plymouth and the Torbay area have one of the highest rates of cardiac disease in the whole country, yet it is the only area without a dedicated coronary unit? Is he also aware that many hundreds of patients travel each year from Plymouth to London to get their treatment and that that is putting patients' lives at risk?
§ Mr. SackvilleYes, I certainly agree that it is unsatisfactory for people to travel that distance. I have said to the hon. Gentleman that as soon as we receive a business case we will deal with it promptly, and I hope that there will be a favourable outcome.