§ 12. Ms Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to develop paediatric heart surgery in Wales. [66281]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe University Hospital of Wales is currently engaged in discussions with the Royal College of Surgeons over the best arrangements for delivering cardiac services for children following the departure of a key surgeon. The formal link between Cardiff's paediatric cardiac unit and Birmingham Children's Hospital ensures that children who need treatment are receiving it. The setting up of the associated paediatric intensive care unit at UHW, for which the Department is providing additional funding, will help to maintain and develop a viable high quality clinical service for the children of Wales.
In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.