HC Deb 01 February 1996 vol 270 cc922-3W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department has given during the last five years to(a) the United Bristol Healthcare NHS trust and (b) other bodies about the performance of neo-natal arterial switch operations at Bristol royal infirmary. [12494]

Mr. Horam

The performance of specific clinical procedures is a matter of clinical judgment on which it would not generally be appropriate for my Department to advise. In the case of the United Bristol Healthcare NHS trust however, my Department's advice was sought on how to resolve a difference of clinical opinion about the advisability of proceeding with "switch" operations. My Department's advice was that procedures should not be, performed about which concerns had been raised until appropriate expert clinical advice had been obtained.

Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received during the last five years about the performance of neo-natal arterial switch operations at Bristol royal infirmary, from(a) the Royal College of Surgeons, (b) Dr. Steven Bolsin, (c) other medical professional bodies and (d) other bodies. [12495]

Mr. Horam

My Department has received a number of expressions of concern from Dr. Steven Bolsin and others about the difficulty of resolving professional differences of opinion about the performance of certain paediatric cardiac surgical procedures, including the arterial "switch".

Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment of which health authorities in the South Western region refer patients needing neo-natal cardiac surgery to health care providers other than Bristol royal infirmary. [12496]

Mr. Horam

This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the appropriate health authorities for this information.

Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish comparative statistics showing the success rate of neo-natal arterial switch operations at those hospitals or institutions performing such operations within the NHS during the last five years. [12497]

Mr. Horam

This information is not available centrally. Outcomes of treatment are a matter for clinical audit.