HC Deb 09 June 1999 vol 332 cc357-8W
16. Ms Julie Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to restart children's heart surgery in Wales. [85170]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

The Specialised Health Services Commission for Wales is currently preparing a report on the options for the future provision of paediatric cardiac surgery and paediatric cardiology services in Wales. This will shortly be considered by its Board and will take into account the importance of maintaining services at the University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital NHS Trust. These options will then be the subject of wide discussion within the NHS and with other interested parties.

In the meantime, children needing cardiac surgery will continue to be referred to those centres that can most appropriately treat their particular condition.

Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.