§ 36. Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what needs he has recently identified for a further cardio-thoracic surgical unit in the east of England. [12142]
§ Jacqui SmithWe are currently developing a national strategy for expanding revascularisation capacity, the aim of which is to deliver the targets of the coronary heart disease National Service Framework.
As part of that strategy the national health service eastern regional office has undertaken an assessment of its needs for cardiac surgery over the next 20 years and has taken many factors into account including the current and future population demands for such services.
The assessment has clearly identified the need for the development of further services for cardiac surgery.