Save our heart unit

The children's heart unit at Southampton General Hospital is the second highest performing centre in the country.

Thank you for your support and your contribution to the campaign to help save Southampton.

National consultation on children’s heart surgery

The NHS wants fewer, larger hospitals to perform this kind of surgery. In 2011 the NHS ran a consultation with four options of which Southampton is in only one, option B. In all the other options, Southampton’s centre of excellence would be closed.

The four month public consultation period closed on 1 July 2011 and the national review of children's congenital heart surgery is expected to conclude in the autumn of 2011.

The Southampton centre has been over-whelmed by the support it has received from professionals in some of the world's leading centres as well as from patients, the public, MPs and councils across southern England.

On 1 July Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust also submitted its own response to the review|.

On 24 August an independent report| said that quality is the public’s top priority when it comes to shaping the future of children’s congenital heart services.

You can find out more about what happens next on the Safe and Sustainable website|.

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Messages

I had major heart surgery in 1974 when i was 11.I feel sorry for any parent that would have to go out of area .

Anonymous (12/05/2012 10:50:59)

My son has been treated in this hospital over the past few years and i think it would be a huge loss if it was to be closed, the staff were very friendly and helpful and at a time when our son was very distressed it made a huge differance that he eventually came to trust the doctors and nurses in this unit

gemma addicott (11/05/2012 21:49:56)

How to save our heart

Armaan1king (30/01/2012 10:04:38)

Hello, I've currently opened a charity called the harvey foundation, to raise awareness for QT syndrome which is a heart condition, that a little boy I know has got, I would also like to fundraise for southapmton heart unit to stay open, as the families with children sufferin from heart problems need it close :) we have a facebook page that's just opened called the harvey foundation please join and help raise awreness thamk you

carrey-anne smith (19/12/2011 14:25:13)

we must try to keep this unit open my son had a heart op at 2 weeks old weighing only 2lb 8oz, he is still under the unit and has to be checked every year it would be deverstating for him if he had to go elsewere. he owes his life to this unit i hope to god it doesnt shut

claire smith (18/11/2011 13:38:27)

people want to realise how lucky they are in life and not to take things for granted. just take your time to think for a moment? ..... without the staff and dedication of these nurses heart specialists and any other people who are involved with this hospital especially the heart unit how these people give there time dedication compassion empathy to all these young children and babies who have heart defects ie de george, problems where there blood flows through the wrong way and any other heart defects how they do these babies and children survive? ..... take this heart unit away and what do you have left? ..... ill children and babies, more people out of work ......... but more importantly children and babies not surviving travelling many miles, how there families will survive, with money problems having to pay for train fares, you do all what you can for your children? COME ON GOVERNMENT sit back take a look at things logically, without this unit there is no chance. i have a friend wi

louise graham (31/10/2011 20:15:55)

my little boy has just had major heart surgery 3months ago with out the fantastic surgons an all the staff he wouldnt live past a yr i think its disgusting they r shutting down the unit it is wrong it should b kept open

ruth donaldson (31/10/2011 19:55:16)

We do hope that the outcome is successful for Southampton as our son has had wonderful attention and support from the staff.

Neil Pullinger (27/10/2011 17:08:26)

Dont shut the heart unit down, i am doing a speech about this in English at school and the only one doing it i truly believe in this xxx

Anonymous (12/10/2011 18:27:17)

My son is 3 weeks old he was born with a heart condition he had surgery on sept 16th and is doing well. The staff and the unit are just amazing we cant thank them enough for taking care of our son. It would be swful if the unit was closed.

laura stanton (07/10/2011 13:20:43)

My son just had an ASD closure at Southampton and they were exemplary. Why would any politician think that closing this unit is a good idea? They should hang their heads in shame.
Thank you Southampton, you are stars. xxx

Mr Brown (06/10/2011 23:07:58)

Hi Jo,
You can make a donation to the Save our Heart Unit campaign by sending a cheque made payable to 'Save our heart unit' to:
Southampton Hospital Charity
MP135
Southampton General Hospital
Southampton
SO16 6YD.

Suzie Pearce (03/10/2011 15:02:33)

Hello

can you please let me know how to make a donation to your charity

Jo Mcdonald (29/09/2011 17:08:40)

This heart unit kept my ticker running from the age of 0-16, it does amazing things and the people are wonderful, it can't be closed!!!

Char (15/09/2011 20:57:57)

The doctors knew our son had a problem before he was born and could start to fix him at 3 days old. With out them he would not be here now. Thank you southampton cardiac ward.xxx

Nick McBETH (13/09/2011 10:16:46)

We took our daughter to this unit after concerns about her well being and a referral from our doctor. The unit were fantastic and we are aware of how many people it helps year on year.

Anonymous (27/08/2011 19:38:50)

This coalition are idiots,why give a 25% chance of saving the unit when it has been accepted that it is THE BEST ONE outside London.Why is it always London at thr forefront,place London on the "may be" list and keep Southampton.Let the rich in London travell to the South.

V.Simpson (14/08/2011 11:14:47)

I know a lot of parents that have had to go over to southampton heart unit for their children to have surgery. They have helped them all so much. Would be utterly ridiculous to close this down :\.

Anonymous (07/08/2011 13:02:22)

You simply cannot close this. There are many things you can get rid of to save money but not this. My brother died age 12 many years ago when nothing like this was possible and available. It is too good to lose.

Anonymous (06/08/2011 21:15:44)

Do not close the heart unit. It saves lives!

Anonymous (30/07/2011 15:13:06)

i am doing a debate for this topic and i'm for keeping it in leeds and open.

Anonymous (10/07/2011 16:15:41)

if they close this unit think of what will happen to the children my baby brother will be have his keyhole heart surgery here in the summer and it will save his life what about all the other children with heart conditons if they get rid of this unit they are destroying the lives of so many people

Lianne Donaldson (07/07/2011 10:17:38)

Closure of the Southampton General Childrens Cardiac Unit would be utter madness. Southampton can be a long journey for many families but London or Bristol would be horrendous and the cost high adding to the unimagineable stress of having a sick child. Show compassion - save Southampton General Childrens Cardiac Unit

Gillian (Basingstoke) (04/07/2011 23:18:48)

Government should provide by law a DUTY OF CARE ....

DO NOT CLOSE THE BEST HEART UNIT

Michele Dunning (03/07/2011 10:21:29)

We have been trying to support The Newcastle Unit - but no luck

Anonymous (01/07/2011 22:36:46)

My 3 year old grandson had his heart operation at Southamptom General Hospital on 7 June 2011.We had to travel from Reading as this was the closes hospital for us at the time .The staff and the surgeons were amazing we cannot thank the staff enought for all the support they gave to all of us at sutch a stressful time .We cannot believe the goverment want to close the heart ward do the goverment have no HEART!!! Please help us all save Southampton Heart Hospital Unit and many more young children like they have my wonderful grandson i cannot thank the staff there enough SAVE OUR HOSPITAL !!!!

Carol Reading (01/07/2011 21:33:49)

PRIORITISE...........
Save the Lives of our Children,GrandChildren and Others to Come.Put REALITY FIRST..
Money Invested NOW, in Saving Southampton General Childrens Cardiac Unit IS MONEY INVESTED WISELY, for the Present and the Future.

John Toner (30/06/2011 08:25:12)

save the unit COYR x

Andy (27/06/2011 14:10:18)

Just been on the NHS Specailised services page & this is what I found. Thought you'd be interested http://www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/news/view/55
Much love from a campaigner to save the Brompton

Karen (26/06/2011 16:01:29)

save money or save childrens lives?

Fiona & Connor Odgers (24/06/2011 21:23:52)

My son need a operation on his heart and it was southhampton He went to they were great and I don't think I could of cope with traveling to London and so a big thank you

Chantelle ascott (23/06/2011 07:49:15)

I would like to wish you the best of luck in saving your childrens heart unit! I am a heart parent from Newcastle, my four year old son had the Berlin Heart for three months and the he got the gift of life and he got a heart transplant back in March 2009. I have used my text vote to support option A & B. I really wish every success in your fight to save your unit x

Devin Higgins (22/06/2011 21:41:50)

hello my name is sharon brown , (mclean) , since the age of 12 hours old i have been a patient under the cardiac team , in southampton ,i really hope you dont close the unit down , because if it wasnt for all the hard effort and work off the amazing surgeons and doctors n nurses there i wudnt be alive today . i had several operations on my heart as i was b orn with tga , transposistion of the great arteries , and have a pacemaker inserted , but now have a icd .so iam very grateful for the wonderful team there , so please dont shut it down please let the amazing work and dedication carry on please xxxxxxxxx

sharon brown ( mclean ) (22/06/2011 21:02:35)

With the fantastic results Southampton Unit have achieved, it would be a crime for it to close in favour of another Unit with less expertise staying open.It's closure would put children from this area at a disadvantage.

Anonymous (22/06/2011 15:11:22)

The last thing that family of very poorly children need is extra worry regarding how they are going to be able to get to London, Birmingham or Bristol, to support their loved one.

Pete Moss (21/06/2011 21:03:22)

what do you think you are doing trying to close this wounderful hospital,lot of Chidren and Adults need this place for the help and care thy have to have to save there lives . my grandson is one of these children who needs such a they place who help him when he was 6month old , if he did'nt he would'nt be here now .he is 2 and 3 months now and full of life ,he will need another op when he's older and would like SOUTHAMTON HOSPITAL to treat him, he was well looked after and cared for. A BIG THANK YOU FOR SAVING HIM the whole family are VERY GRATEFUL .

NAN OF THREE WOUNDERFUL GRANDCHIDREN WHO HE IS ONE (21/06/2011 10:58:53)

Another Government intervention, that isn’t going to work! This unit saves lives simple! Increasing travelling times for patents from the south to areas such as London and Birmingham will put more strain on the logistics of the NHS. This isn’t going to improve the health care they currently receive from the Southampton Unit, my girlfriend works at Southampton General Hospital, she has nothing but praise for the work this unit does, don’t try and fix something that isn’t broken.

Reading the comments already posted on here, just goes to show what this means to people, and remember MP’s, it’s the public that put in power to serve us!

J Long (21/06/2011 09:18:09)

After our son was treated for 'migraines' at 'another' hospital for over three long years, following an emergency blue-light transfer to the unit at SGH he was finally diagnosed with Ebsteins. Now following surgery and much care at Southampton, he appears fit, healthy and happy to be leading a normal life. SGH childrens cardiac unit is a 'Centre of Excellence in all respects' and could only ever be closed down by 'total idiots'!

Mike & Yvonne Russell (21/06/2011 00:28:19)

We were blessed with a beautiful little grandaughter who together with experts in the childrens heart unit at Southampton, put up a brave fight to save her life but the angels above wanted her back...... How could MPs even considered the closure of this wonderful facility, it is unthinkable.

Anonymous (20/06/2011 15:18:04)

The comments I have read in the messages here, are a testomoney to the outstanding care provided at Southampton childrens heart unit. I only hope the MPs will read these messages and appreciate that closure of this centre of excellence would be taking away hope and comfort for many families now and in the future

Anonymous (17/06/2011 22:46:56)

safe and sustainable + excellence=Option B

justin (17/06/2011 19:39:20)

some years ago i had a heart by-pass operation and saw fisrt hand the valuable work the hospital and staff did in the childrens haert ward, it would be a disaster if it were not there to carry on the excellent work

Mr R Hopper (17/06/2011 16:16:46)

Please save the heart unit, as a parent myself it is important to me that the unit is saved as it saves childrens lives everyday

Anonymous (17/06/2011 12:57:08)

Please save the southampton childrens heart unit.
It is a risk/ disaster for patient to go out side the area. MP's think again about closing us down & have a heart

christine (17/06/2011 11:32:19)

My daughter had heart surgery to save her life in February. The unit was brilliant. It should not even be at risk! It would be a disaster it it ever closed!

Karl Fensome (16/06/2011 15:20:05)

Mp's are taking part in a 3hr parliamentary debate tomorrow about this review, lets hope they discuss all the flaws in the process and the inaccuracies of the consultation document, in particular the issues around leaving out the Travel and Access times for the Isle of Wight and the manipulation of data making Option A look more favourable because they moved the patient flows for Sheffield and Wakefiled to achieve better travel and access times for Option A. The review team and Joint Committee of PCT's should be hung out to dry for all these flaws which could ultimately destroy, destabalise and reduce the current quality provided by the top performing units in the country with our unit in Southampton being ranked overall 2nd out of 11 and in just 1 option out of 4!

Sam (15/06/2011 22:37:11)

What a joke this review is - I'd laugh if it wasn't so serious! Losing a brilliant unit like this can in no way be an improvement in healthcare. If the review team expects anyone to believe this isn't a predetermined outcome then it would help if they got basic concepts like geography right instead of misleading everyone with incorrect information in the consultation document.

The scoring for each of the options is wrong. Failing to realise the Isle of Wight wasn't part of the mainland and patients are unable to get to any other unit in less than 4 hours means Options A, C & D have been overscored in terms of access and travel times. Also despite the ladies from KPMG not wanting to admit at the recent Consultation Event that they'd made any mistakes (probably worried about getting their bill paid!) the last time I looked Sheffield, Doncaster and Wakefield were closer to Liverpool than Newcastle. No wonder Option B looks worse in terms of access times than Option A - if they ac

Rosemary (15/06/2011 16:56:31)

HAVE A HEART & SAVE THE SOUTHAMPTON HEART UNIT.

Val Cox (14/06/2011 17:46:53)

Our gorgeous little Rory (now 11 weeks old) had heart surgery at just 9 days old at Southampton Hospital. Thanks to Mr Haw and all the amazing staff at Ocean Ward our precious little boy is here giving us lots of cuddles. Surely the Government won't close this superb unit

Allyson and Tom (Rory's mummy and daddy) x (13/06/2011 16:10:07)

My granddaughter was born with a heart defect and was treated at Southamptom. We must save this unit.

Christine (13/06/2011 11:19:43)

Having supported a friend through the trauma of watching her baby go through heart surgery and other major illnesses in the last year, I think we need our heart unit in Southampton for children. I feel it is important for the south east that we have a unit available to families here. Evalina is an amazing hospital and they do good work there, but we need a unit here, where families can be supported during painful times by not just hospital staff but their friends and family. I believe the Government need to rethink their strategies and fulfill their promise to leave the NHS alone and "safe".

Angela Walsh (13/06/2011 09:06:29)

Closing this unit is an absolute disgrace - shame on you Government for abandoning patients when they need care the most. This service is vital - without it young lives are going to be placed at risk - but I forgot, the people don't matter as long as a quick cut here and there saves a few bucks. It might be your child, then what would you do, eh Mr Big Society.

Gabi Lewis (11/06/2011 12:37:43)

Please save Southampton Hospital, hospitals of this calibre should never be allowed to even think of closing!! Too many lives would be lost.

Gillian Elson (11/06/2011 08:05:33)

I seem to remember someone saying "The NHS is safe in our hands" is critically ill children having to wait longer and travel much further for treatment a safety measure or is this yet another non caring conservative government.

Anonymous (10/06/2011 16:00:30)

My son Frankie (now 4) was undiagnosed with CHD until 2 months old and was received into Southampton as a referral from a routine GP visit in Newbury via Basingstoke Hospital ( Basingstoke does not have the suitable equipment). Frankie was operated within 24 hours post admission and discharged 6 days later, beginning to thrive. Southampton hospital and their staff has proved to be more than a lifeline for my son but has become an extension to our family life. Mr Haw and his team's duty of care and consideration for each and every child's welfare is outstanding. The continuing standard of care experienced by Ocean Ward staff and Dr Roman's Clinic is simply world class. The need for surgery and continuing subsequent monitoring requires the unit to be within the local vicinity of the area where each patient and their family lives. Moving this unit to Bristol will only increase an already stressful situation to a critical mess for parents of small children faced with unimaginable decisi

Liza Pitman (10/06/2011 14:10:36)

Try calling the hotline on 023 8079 8773 about t-shirts. They have mugs too.

Anonymous (10/06/2011 10:03:17)

I strongly support your fight it is completly ridiculous if it happens, it will be too late then when the politicians have done their deed. It also makes me wonder if they were in need of your skill for their children what their thoughts would be then.

Anonymous (10/06/2011 09:04:01)

How can losing the 2nd highest scoring heart unit in the country for excellence and quality be improving our children's future?

Quality = southampton
excellence= southampton
complex surgery = southampton
Opition B = southampton

rob (10/06/2011 00:26:30)

My son was born with 2 holes in his heart and a narrow aorta. He had his operations at the age of 8 weeks in 1990. I am eternally grateful for what they were able to do. We had to travel from Plymouth but I would hate for patients and their families to have to travel any further. My son would not be alive today if all staff concerned had not acted so quickly. Thank you.

Julie Brownlow (09/06/2011 21:00:19)

hi could any one tell me please where i could buy the save our heart unit t-shirts!Thank you.

Gemma and Adam Lillington (09/06/2011 19:03:22)

I would be devestated if the childrens heart unit at southampton closed My daughter Chloe Dorricott from Yeovil was born with a heart defect and would not be here today if it was not for the team of Doctors and Surgens at southampton also the support from the staff on ocean ward, They are Amazing.

Angela & Dave Dorricott (09/06/2011 11:13:36)

The Southampton unit staff are helpful & they put you & the families at ease. They discuss , tell families in lay men terms what the problems are & what procudures they will do. Provide information that is useful it will be a shame if they close the unit.

Anonymous (08/06/2011 15:24:28)

O M G CANT BELIVE ITS SHUTTING

YUMUM (08/06/2011 15:07:45)

Please do not close this center as it helps people.

Anonymous (08/06/2011 15:04:22)

This is the best unit in the country and it is ridiculous the though of it closing.

Anonymous (07/06/2011 12:48:31)

My granddaughter Cora had two open heart surgeries and life expectancy of 14 years when her family moved to the Southampton area. We prayed for a miracle and it was performed by this Cardiac Unit. She can now do things a normal child does and her life expectancy has increased dramatically. It would be a tragedy to close this unit. Let sanity and common sense prevail.

Vernon Milliner (07/06/2011 11:31:23)

We consider it nonsensical that a unit that has attained the standard of excellence as at SGH should be closed and the team disbanded. Geographical location is of no consequence it is the standard of treatment that should be the deciding factor.

Ann & Ian Jerram (06/06/2011 20:02:47)

Please do not close this center as it helps people.

(06/06/2011 12:41:36)

i am writing this comment to save this hospital as it has helped out my bestmates little sister and i hope it helps out alot more babys that need it , x

holly (05/06/2011 21:00:44)

Southampton General's chidren's heart unit is one of a very few units in the country. The work they do is vital to carry on saving the lives of our very precious children.

Sue (04/06/2011 01:44:46)

Callum my nephew has just had another successful operation and as you may know, they are trying to close it! Please save Southampton hospital heart ward. Without the expertise of THIS hospital, my nephews future may of not been so bright! This is the best option and they are also the most successful

Anonymous (03/06/2011 12:59:42)

I has an undiagnosed hole in the heart ASD from birth. It was detected when I had a mini stroke in my forties. Thanks to Southampton General
Cardiology Unit, noteably Dr Tony Salmon,I have subsequently had my first child at the age of 42. Surgery saved my life and paved the way for a further one!
My husband, child and I are indebted to you! It would be a tragedy if the unit were to close.

Anonymous (02/06/2011 14:54:15)

My Cousin was born with a whole in his heart and was given a max of 2 years to live. He is now 17, drives and finishing his Diplomas in Catering and Hospitality. Despite living in Cornwall, the nearest Heart Unit to cater for his need was Southampton and he would make the weekly, turning monthly, appointments on a regular basis. Without the support here both himself and our family would have had to endure further travel and costs for treatment. I cannot believe they are conidering closing this unit as it is so vital to our Soutern and Western links and families in the UK. Sort it out NHS!!

Sarah (01/06/2011 12:08:38)

Sarah (01/06/2011 12:08:24)

It would be such a shame for Southampton to close as many of our clients have been referred there with heart related conditions either with themselves or their babies.It is a highly reccommended unit, which our clients rate first class;and if it were to close,they would have to travel further afield to either Bristol or London.This would add extra time,inconvenience and stress to our clients and their families needs.

janice barber (01/06/2011 08:48:57)

Don't put lives at risk...Save the unit..

Helen (31/05/2011 20:52:32)

I am due to have my baby in august i found out at my 2O week scan that he has hypoplastic left heart syndrome and i would love for him to have the chance for 3 open heart surgeries that will need to take place , and southampton has one of the best childrens cardic units in the uk, and without southampton i very much doubt my little boy will have a chance in living .

Anonymous (31/05/2011 17:24:48)

my son had heart surgery on the 7th may 2011 at 9 days old at southampton general, the staff was amazing cant thank them enough. its so upsetting the thought of them closing this as they saved my son and many other childrens life,i really hope its here to stay!! cant bear the thought of it closing

katie johnsen (31/05/2011 16:47:11)

Southampton Heart Unit Your Great I couldn't thank you enough. xxx 7 weeks ago I had open heart surgery for a hole in the heart, although I'm over 60 I needed a Paediatrician! It's essential that this unit stays open, it's like a 'well oiled machine' and the treatment you received is second to none.

Sue (31/05/2011 16:23:13)

My wife and I would like say just how greatful we are to Southampton General Hospital Paediatric Heart Unit. One of our sons had a heart condition and we were so relieved, reasured and impressed by the care and attention he recieved. Our son did not at that time travel well and Southampton was just about as far as he and we could manage . A journey to Bristol from Christchurch with a sick child is not on. Sick children don't travel well and examinations take time and it wouildn't be just the one visit. There are outpatient appointments and emergency referals. To have a centre of excellence such as the Paediatric Heart Unit at Southampton General Hospital close down would cause further disress to very vulnerable patients and those who care for them.

Derek C (31/05/2011 15:49:24)

Six years ago our son was born with 3 holes in his heart. Thanks to Southampton Hospitals' Childrens Heart Unit, he is now leading a completely full and active life. We can never thank them enough.

Jo (30/05/2011 16:37:18)

My daughter has had 3 open heart surgeries at Southampton. For a condition that is 100% fatal without surgery (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). We doubt that she would of survived if Oceanward wasn't around. She has other issues that mean she may need emergency surgery one-day. Save our unit and help to save lives.

Anonymous (29/05/2011 16:07:22)

Words can not describe how devastating this closure would be for our child, our family and extended family. We have a bond of trust and respect with our consultants and supporting staff. We have received the highest level of care at the most stressful times of our lives and know that there is more surgery to face. Being miles away from home, having to leave our other young child in care and being forced distance wise to be without extended family to support us in such stressful circumstances is devastating enough. Forcing our family to travel even further to receive care from unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar environment will give rise to higher levels of stress for everyone involved. This cardiac unit meets all that we could ever wish for, excellent consultants with whom we have built up a high level of trust, an excellent support system and staff, an excellent level of personal care, and a home from home environment at a time when you need it most. Southampton hospital's paedi

Debi Jenkins (29/05/2011 13:05:05)

A thriving nearly 3yr. old runs about my house thanks to the great team at the cardiac unit and picu at Southampton.
With Heartbeat House across the road the infrastructure is excellent. And the people who run these units- par excellence. A tragedy if this is lost.

David Jersey (29/05/2011 10:30:39)

my 2nd daughter was born 37 wks she was admitted 2 e1 ocean ward at 2 days old from princess ann hospital. She has vsd pulminary arteries and various other problems. She had her 1st heart surgery at 16 days old. Without ocean ward being at my doorstep i dont know where i would b as she has been rushed in on numerous times and without them i feel she wouldnt b here. The staff on ocean ward are like 2nd family 2 my baby girl. They are my lifeline. Xxxx

susan wallace (28/05/2011 16:51:09)

What price life, the staff at Southampton children's cardiac care unit give so much OUR CHILDREN AND NOW OUR GRANDCHILDREN NEED THE UNIT. If we can fund a none English henchman to Magabe and other non working Islamic hate campainers we need THE UNIT.
If we can spend 1m in the last year for
drink-related admissions we must find the money to keep our Chilrens Unit OPEN. Why dont we charge all the drink related admissions (when they are sober)Make them pay save our children

Sue Moody (27/05/2011 18:51:33)

Have a Heart and save our Heart Unit.

If you have not had the need to use this unit? think yourselves lucky.

Help us save it for those who need it now! and people like you who may need it in the future.

Anonymous (27/05/2011 15:09:02)

Yes Yes Yes

Anonymous (27/05/2011 11:37:53)

My father was born with a hole in the heart, he had to have open heart surgery (triage of fallot)at the age of 8 at john radcliffe hospital in oxford, to have the NHS close a unit down in southamption hospital is devestating. I hope the people can save it and help all the young children live a happy life!!!

Anonymous (27/05/2011 10:09:29)

To have a baby born with a heart condition or to develop one in their early life is stressful enough for families without the prospect of them having to travel so much further to get the treatment needed.There will also be more financial expense for these families which again will add to an already stressful situation.

Anonymous (26/05/2011 18:07:00)

Our dear son Tom passed away on 3oth October 2010 at the SGH Cardiac Unit, he was 26. He underwent 6 major heart operations at this Unit plus countless smaller procedures. His first surgery was at 5 weeks old in 1984. The level of care Tom & our family received at this Unit, from all, was unsurpassable.

Laurence Hunt (26/05/2011 16:52:14)

My grandson was treated by Southampton General for a heart problem and continues to have regular checks with them. Why has this fixation with 'big is beautiful' overrun the NHS. It may lead to a concentration of talent but causes the destruction of teams that have built up over years. It also makes it so much more difficult for the 'customer' to access.

Chris Green (26/05/2011 15:40:02)

I have a heart problem and have had the very best medical care at Southampton General i feel that if they close the children heart unit that might be the thin end of the wedge for coronary unit for adaults.

Mr Frederick Malyon (25/05/2011 22:18:49)

I owe everything to the wounderful world class TEAM at southampton hospital.There our exstended family and treat us as people not just a number or postcode.oceanward must stay its one of the best in the country FACT ,my son is a happy lively little boy thanks to the quality and excellence southampton have so save the best save our heart unit :o)

nicky broadbank (25/05/2011 21:14:28)

It's not just us that have a good hospital so do most of the other areas. I don't know why the government is doing this to us. Bet it'd really about money, cause everyone but Oxford came out of the review pretty well. I think they have backed themselves into a corner with this and don't know how to get out of it without loosin face.

Anonymous (25/05/2011 21:00:06)

In response to the quality comment, please define quality? Yesterday the commission admitted that the tools they used were faulty, both because of the way questions were formulated and because of who they engaged to complete the document. Quality is something very difficult to define and I sure each unit will be able to show innacuracies in the marking system used which will disadvantage them. After all a poor tool will only provide poor data. As was also pointed out, the data used is old. Therefore the quality scoring is really not relevant and what we should be looking at is the basis that firstly there are enough cases to have 2 units in the south and 2 in London, and secondly the commissions relentless argument that 400 cases is essential is neither evidence based nor benchmarked against any other units in the world. 85% of worldwide units do less than that. I feel this obsession with a score created from out of date data and supported by a poor questionnaire is flimsy and to save

Anonymous (25/05/2011 20:47:49)

If you have a child with a heart condition, surely you would want the very best care for that child and Southampton's unit is the second best in the country. Why even consider closing it. Parents will travel to the ends of the earth for their child it needs to remain open for all those kids that need it. Their lives count more than money

Anonymous (25/05/2011 13:45:49)

My wishes and thoughts are with staff at The children's heart unit at Southampton General Hospital and with the families and childern who have been treated and cared for at Southampton. For giving life to my beautiful son

Bobby A (25/05/2011 12:47:11)

To the Anon comment - we are fighting to ensure that QUALITY services remain for our children. Bristol have only been put into all 4 options due to access times which are at best fudged!! And they are also not completing the number of cases as we as the Southampton / Oxford network are. Excluding IOW patients from Southampton access data and allocating patients to Bristol which are attending in Southampton. It has been made to look as though Southampton cannot survive because of this but this is extremely inaccurate!! QUALITY is our issue and we want the BEST CARE for our CHILDREN.

Anonymous (25/05/2011 10:28:25)

You are right, it's extremely stressful. However why should people living in the south have access to 4 units and those in the north 2 and midlands 1, when the population of the midlands is the same as London?

Anonymous (24/05/2011 22:30:09)

I have heard Leicester is really good at ecmo cause they coordinated the patients needin it during the swine flu. What happens to our kids if they need ecmo after surgery. Are we as good as them?

Anonymous (24/05/2011 20:31:52)

Please please please fill in the online survey. I've just returned from the consultation, and completing the survey is the best way to get heard.

Jill Baston (24/05/2011 17:59:34)

The Unit must be saved. The work they do is exceptional and I cannot fault it. The care my new-born grandson received was more than excellent and the fact that he now leads an absolutely normal life gives testament to that.

Janet Williams (24/05/2011 16:47:48)

Please keep the unit open, familes need to be able to be near those who have treatment, it is stressful enough without being able to viist your loved ones. The work and care at the Unit is more than dedication it is committment and a must have for Southampton. Keep it open.

Anonymous (24/05/2011 09:56:14)

Please Please save the unit, our two sons have received immense treatment at Southampton.The Consultant and all the staff are fantastic, what would we do without this brilliant unit.

Anonymous (23/05/2011 22:56:42)

Where will all the patients go if you are not designated? London or Bristol maybe ???

Anonymous (23/05/2011 20:01:44)

In response to Ali Ayres comments, I think we should also note that its not really important what we were doing, or even how many cases we are doing now, the issue is the ability to expand and care for all those extra cases that will be arriving. I also wanted to check the reply to Judith Andrews comment. I understand that 2 of the surgeons do mixed practice (which means they are essentially half each) and one isn't on the specialist register ie his training to operate on children hasn't been approved by the UK regulatory body and as such he will be unable to hold a permanent contract. I believe that we need to be honest about where we are at the moment as "fudging" the facts will only lead to problems further down the line.

Anonymous (23/05/2011 19:16:40)

SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS, IT WOULD BE A VERY SAD DAY. I BELIEVE IT IS STRONGLY NEEDED IN THE COMMUNITY, AS IT RUNS SO WELL, WHY CLOSE SOMETHING SO NEEDY.

WENDY SMITH (23/05/2011 17:56:49)

My newborn Grandson was born with a severe heart condition, and undoubtedly his life was saved by the immediate and dedicated care in the Unit now under threat. Very fortunate he was close to the Southampton Hospital.

Roger Williams (23/05/2011 14:46:47)

Southampton is listed in the public consultation document as having two surgeons. We actually had three at the time of print but they wouldn't take into account one of our surgeons because of the type of contract he was on. We now have a fourth surgeon starting next month and are undertaking around 340 operations since the surgical service at Oxford closed. I hope that helps. Really the story of our service is that it underwent a significant expansion during 2010 that is not fully reflected in the consultation materials because they don't use any data that is more recent than April 2010.

Ali Ayres (23/05/2011 09:44:21)

I heard south Hampton only has one full time pads surgeon. Will this hurt our chances?

Judith andrews (22/05/2011 17:46:26)

It is unbelievable to hear that this unit could be closed. The service it provides is second to none. To the best of our knowledge this Unit came second in the UK. It not only serves people in the UK but also people from abroad. We wonder as to why it has been singled out in this manner by the UK health authority. It would be against the wish of the general people to close the Unit. At the end of the day we live in democrat society and peoples’ views should be heard.

Anonymous (22/05/2011 17:02:48)

This Unit needs to stay open for the area and all its patients The people who wish it to close are putting childrens lives at risk.

Anonymous (22/05/2011 15:11:05)

Without the excellant care from staff at both Winchester and Southampton Hospital our son would not be here today.... this unit CANNOT close!!!!

Anonymous (21/05/2011 21:50:22)

My husbands life was saved at Southampton in 1994 His triple bypass gave him 17 years extra life. To take the heart unit away from Southampton would cause greater stress to families having to travel much further afield.

Anonymous (21/05/2011 16:16:06)

Southampton Heart Unit MUST be saved. This is indeed a Centre of Excellence rated second in the Country. It is unthinkable that it should be closed.

Anonymous (20/05/2011 21:27:45)

I cannot believe that there is a possibility of closing the heart unit there. The consultant we had to see for my daughter was great, we had to wait ages to even get an appointment. Where would we go next time??

Anonymous (20/05/2011 14:07:38)

Southampton Heart Unit is a centre of excellence that must be saved - attaining the number two position for quality in the country should count for something, otherwise there is something very wrong with a system that closes such a sorely needed centre in the heart of the south!

Frances Robins (20/05/2011 12:41:50)

Our family have huge reasons for keeping the unit at Southampton. My husband's life was saved there after finding he had a genetical heart condition. We have six grandchildren who must all be tested at age 15 years! Currently they range from 7 to 15. With the results that Southampton have for the incredible work they do why even think of changing it? WE MUST KEEP IT! As a family we all feel very strongly about this, there are 14 of us in our family. We will always be grateful to Southampton Hospital and we pray our grandchildren will not need there expertees, but if they do we know they will be in good hands.

Mrs Wendy Goodall (19/05/2011 10:35:50)

I THINK IT WOULD BE A HUGE SHAME TO TAKE AWAY SOMTHING SO GOOD SOUTHAMTON HEART UNIT BEING 2nd BEST IN THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO STAY.

LEANNE COX (18/05/2011 22:08:18)

My son will be 8yrs old in 2 weeks time. Thank you Southampton - you saved his life when he was only 8 hours old!
Keep up the good work, you have all of our support.

Sign the iPetition here:http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/wchcsaveoceanward/

James Heroys (18/05/2011 15:47:55)

please please do not close this hospital if it was'nt for them my grandson would not be with us all ,they were wonderful and do excellent work by saving children who would not be here if it was'nt for there help thank you.

a loving nan (18/05/2011 14:02:27)

Heart units are important! Please keep it open, especially as we are second best in the country:)

Anonymous (18/05/2011 09:36:53)

My son was diagnosed with congenital Heart disease shortly after he was born, without the open heart surgery he had at a few weeks old he would have not survived. Also the support recieved from the staff on Ocean ward was second to none at a very distressing time. My son has had more treatment at the ward a further open heart operation and cardiac catheters. to close this excellent unit would affect so many people and mean having to travel much further away from families at a very hard time. Please keep this unit open

Heidi Farn (17/05/2011 17:14:04)

Southampton Hospital has been building on success after success over the years,resulting in their current status as only second to Guys.
I have lived in Southampton all my life and though i have never needed this service for myself or my children,i do have peace of mind that should the event ever arise,that we have the best care possible right on our doorstep.
Whoever is responsible for making the decision on what units should be closed really need to think of one thing.
Is this threat of closure the best way to reward the unit and all the doctors and medical staff involved for pushing forward with the best quality and care,not only for the patients but also for the families.

Rich Holmes (17/05/2011 15:39:00)

Please keep this hospital open x

Anonymous (17/05/2011 14:25:19)

Why is it that from a Geography point of view, Southampton is always overlooked? Aside from the excellent standards of care that Southampton has worked hard to establish, Southampton is easily accessible from almost anywhere from the Midlands downwards. I can only imagine how daunting a prospect it must be for already distraught parents to have to find their way to a hospital either in London or further north or west. Please re-consider

Anonymous (17/05/2011 13:47:00)

Our son Ben was diagnosed as suffering from a heart condition before he was born by a surgeon at Southampton General Hospital. When he was born, they knew there was a problem straight away and carried out further, more detailed scans. This revealed that he needed surgery urgently and so he had a life saving operation when he was two weeks old. The staff at Ocean Ward at Southampton General Hospital are excellent and its no wonder they are the best outside London. Please keep the unit open!

Adam and Alison Manning (16/05/2011 22:39:35)

With no history of congenital heart disorders on either side of my family, both my children (aged 4 & 1) have needed corrective surgery for PDAs and both have had excellent care at Southampton. At 4mths old my son also had a broncho malacia (floppy tube in his lungs) and stopped breathing at our home, while unwell with bronchiolitis. Our local hospital couldn't stabilize him and rang both Guys and Southampton to come & retrieve him to their PICU. Southampton made it first & saved his life. He is now nearly 4, but is the height of a 5yr old and is so fit & healthy, with much thanks to the input of Southampton General Hospital. Prior to becoming a mother, I worked as a chartered management accountant for the NHS for 10 years, most recently as an assessment manager for Monitor. With all of the personal and professional experience I have I would urge the Joint PCTs committee not to reduce the provision of paediatric cardiology services at Southampton, and in any way put at risk the f

Jen Daplyn (16/05/2011 20:08:06)

Where does medical ethics enter this equation??? PLEASE THINK AGAIN BEFORE CLOSING THIS UNIT!!!!!

Anonymous (16/05/2011 18:42:50)

Why close one of the best heart units. We need these facilities,you cannot take chances with heart conditions, you need the best.
Our young grandson needs the best advice and treatment to live his life to the full.Southampton unit can/is doing it for him.

John & Mary Jacob (16/05/2011 17:12:48)

Our daughter Sarah had a hole in her heart closed at Southampton when she was six years old and severely ill. Now she is 32 years old and completed a charity 26 mile marathon this weekend. Having a heart hospital within one hour driving time is very important for young families, mum may stay at the hospital but the rest of the family needs easy access.

Allan Smith (16/05/2011 17:03:20)

My Nephew was born at Southampton hospital and has a major heart condition. Please keep it open so they can keep up the good work and save other lives!!

Machala (16/05/2011 09:54:29)

this Unit is tremendous, we didn't know our daughter had a hole in her heart until she was born. the excitement of our new born, was taken away briefly by news we hadn't anticipated. the thoughts that we may lose her were unbearable. The staff at the unit were so reassuring and caring. We were lucky and now have a very happy and healthy 6 year old. I dread to think what we may have had to go through if we'd had to travel hundreds of miles for diagnosis and treatment. KEEP SOUTHAMPTON OPEN!!

Emma, Poole (16/05/2011 09:52:22)

This unit saved the life of my best friends sister... God knows what would have happened without it. x

Anonymous (15/05/2011 22:21:01)

My son was born with a hole on the heart and is seen every so often in Southampton general heart unit . Please don't close it. Thanks

Jamal (14/05/2011 18:38:45)

No words can express my sadness at the prospect of the unit closure. When my son had Tetralogy of Fallot corrected, we were living in Bournemouth, and for our family Southampton was far, let alone if it had been London! Plus I dearly remember me and my mother sleeping in a room near Intensive Care. All that helped a lot! Please DO NOT CLOSE IT!

Francesca Orfali Guerra (14/05/2011 17:41:56)

It would be criminal if Southampton is not saved given the amount of lives they have saved. My son's life was saved when he was only 6 weeks old by the fabulous people at Southampton. Like many, we have moved all over the country and would never consider using another heart unit and will fully support this campaign and raise awareness. Long live Southampton's heart unit.

Iain Preston (14/05/2011 11:29:08)

my son Louis was born with a heart condition being that my husband is in the army we have moved all over the place but we have stayed under the care of Southampton my son is now 13 and we still make sure Louis gets to the hospital they have been a fantastic hospital i like the facted that they no my son and he feels quite safe which makes it easier for him x

tracey smith (13/05/2011 14:26:15)

Southampton has to be saved. If my friends and family had been unable to visit and offer support throughout the time my 11month old daughter was undergoing surgery and treatment I would have found it hard to cope. We return to outpatients regularly and are always reassured by the familiar faces and routine we have come to know and understand.
THANK YOU SOUTHAMPTON.

Juliet Essling (13/05/2011 13:39:15)

My Daughter Lauren had her first Surgery at Southampton in 1995, and more recently as yesterday. Should this treatment have not been carried out over the years she would certainly not be with us today. The professionalism at the hospital is second to none from nursing staff to surgeons, i can not thank these people enough for what they have done for us.

I find it hard to believe how the thought of closing this unit has even entered peoples minds, you only have to look at statistics to see this is one of the top Heart Units in the country.

If more parents are to have the chance of seeing there children grow up with heart problems then we have to help this unit in any way possible.

I would just like to thank publicly all the staff of this fantastic unit for all the help and support over the last 16 years you are all one of a kind.

KEEP THIS SUPERB UNIT OPEN.

Wayne Staveley (13/05/2011 13:20:27)

My son James George had two major heart surgries at this hospital,One the day he was born then the 2nd 4 days later, and if it wasnt for there fantastic work our baby boy wouldnt be here today.
We didnt know untill james was born about his condition. And the support we had from the staff was amazing, they helped us through the whole truma, to see this amazing ward close, breaks my heart, myself and many more will have to travel much further for appointments etc, and the babies that are born with the same condition and other conditions may not make the longer journey, I cannot believe this has even been considered to close the 2nd best cardiac unit down, ? this ward is very special, all of the staff will always hold a place in our hearts, they are amazing. PLEASE DO NOT CLOSE THIS AMAZING UNIT DOWN

Vicky and Karl Spurr (13/05/2011 12:17:02)

Fourteen years ago our baby son was taken from the Isle of Wight to Southampton General for heart surgery. Sadly after 4 months in intensive care he lost his brave fight for life. But everyone on the cardiac unit did everything they could for our little boy, and I don't know how we would have managed anywhere else. We stayed at Rotary Heartbeat House which was brilliant but my husband commuted back to the Island every day to work. If we had needed to go to aother hospital my husband would either have had to give up work or not be able to be with us. SOUTHAMPTON HEART UNIT IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR FAMILIES LIVING ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT IT MUST BE SAVED

JULIE BARRINGTON (13/05/2011 11:48:37)

My daughter Anna had open heart surgery the day she was born and is now a healthy 17 year old. If there had been no unit in Southampton and they had to take her to London I doubt she would be alive today. The unit must remain I owe my daughters life to it.

The Fooks Family. (12/05/2011 14:48:22)

I am in full support about saving your heart unit. My son Liam, had fantastic treatment when he was just 10 days old, with there support over the years Liam is now a healthy 16 year old and living on the Isle of Wight, it was the nearest for us to go for Liam's treatment. Mrs Brenda Buckler

Mrs Buckler (12/05/2011 11:35:10)

THIS UNIT MUST BE SAVED. its the second best in our country why close such an importent asset. PLEASE think again.

Anonymous (12/05/2011 11:15:08)

I've undergone three major heart operations at Southampton over the last 30 years and many smaller procedures, I simply wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for this heart unit I hope it never closes and continue to help many more people like myself.

Graham (11/05/2011 20:30:02)

How can you put a price on someone's life? I've seen the devastation and trauma caused by people's passing. Please, save this unit; enough people lose their lives through accidents or terminal illnesses. Don't add to this list by closing down something that SAVES lives.....please.

Anonymous (11/05/2011 09:21:25)

My Son James at the age of 4 months old had a Balloon Dilation for his Pulmonary Valve Stenosis that saved his life. James is still going back to Southampton Hospital for regular check ups. Thanks to all the hard work and care from the Nurse's and Doctors, they have been brilliant in reassuring and supporting us and caring for our son, through our difficult times.

James enjoys going back to see the same staff because, it makes him feel secure.

PLEASE SAVE OUR HEART UNIT AT SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL.

Graham and Louise Sullivan (10/05/2011 23:20:37)

this unit has and still is saving lives why close it. It needs to stay open and help children. As its one of the best in the country it ludicrous to talk about closing it.

irene small (10/05/2011 20:57:39)

These units are so needed, rethink before lives are lost and families blown apart x

Anonymous (10/05/2011 14:44:38)

The Heart Unit has helped so many people and their families, you can see from the short clips above how important the unit is. It would be ludicrous to close such an important part of Southampton General Hospital!! How can you close something that helps and looks after so many people?

Anonymous (10/05/2011 08:41:18)

My son has benefitted from this fantastic Unit. It has consistently been one of the top units of this type in the Country and to consider closure is outrageous! Reducing public spending is one thing but to close a Centre of Excellence is beyond belief - so much for PM Cameron saying the NHS is safe with them!

Anonymous (09/05/2011 12:55:20)

I fully support maintaining this wonderful unit. It seems very shortsighted and cruel to even consider closure when obviously so many people have benefitted from the unit and it would appear that a lot of children and parents will suffer unnecessarily should this happen

Anonymous (07/05/2011 15:35:40)

My son has had 3 operations at the unit. He is in tip top condition thanks to the fabulous skill of his surgeon, and the doctors and nursing staff all of whom must have had their hands on him at one time or another.

They have spent a lot of time dealing with his medical condition but also ensuring he is always comfortable, confident and happy whenever he is in the unit. As a result, my son looks on his condition as something positive that makes him special (which of course he is) and the only thing he is worrying about now he has more surgery to face is whether he'll get time off school! The care he has been given is priceless. Thank you.

Jo Diaper (06/05/2011 13:47:07)

good luck mmy thoughts are with everyone and i hope we all can save the heart unit x

mrs mckenner (06/05/2011 11:54:54)

As a mother, I have been lucky enough to have had children without any health problems. There are many families not so fortunate and whom have benefited from the exemplary skills of this unit and the proof is in reading the testimonies of the families on this website. It would be utter madness to close this service at SGH to meet government financial savings. The Anxiety for the families would be overwhelming and that is without the financial burden of travel costs, increased time periods off work. Utter, Utter madness. Please think again Health Minister.

Anonymous (06/05/2011 11:22:51)

I fully agree with the comments made. It must be very traumatic for younger heart patients and to have their families near them at this time is so important. It should not be made more stressful by the added expense of further travel. Also it has been made abundately clear that the FIRST HOUR is the golden time, so further travel equals more time taken out of that hour. LEAVE OUR HOSPITAL ALONE.

SANDIE WHITFIELD (06/05/2011 10:04:32)

We are going to get as many people as we can for ur petition,not only does my daughter owe her life and standard of living to your people as well as Yorkhill and brompton where she had previous ops. If people only understood what the staff if the hospital and others have to go through on a daily basis because there are those that dont make it. Try the best as you always do and the NHS will last for ever.

PKHanlon (05/05/2011 17:45:00)

My daughter Donna underwent major heart surgery at Southampton in 19986 age 11 days,after spending 4 months there she finally came home.She has 4 beautiful children now and im one proud grandma and ive a lot to be thankful for.Thanku

Tracy Frampton (05/05/2011 16:54:57)

my youngest son was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome at southampton over 20 years ago after 8 serious episodes, he now has a pacemaker fitted, subsequent screening has enabled 6 of my family to get help and ensure that their chance of a full life is greatly enhanced, thank you southampton.

Ken Collingwood (05/05/2011 10:50:05)

I have a small heart murmer and Southampton childrens heart unit were great. When I went for check ups the nurses and Dr's were very thorough.

One time the Dr said I needed to loose weight or it would effect my heart. So he suggested getting an exercise bike and I lost a lot of weight.

I hope the heart unit stays open.

EMILY KENT (05/05/2011 10:28:50)

My son Alex was born with a congenital heart problem and the staff at Southampton General were great and picked it up straight away. They were professional,efficient and caring.It would be ridiculous to shut such a high performing department.Please don't do it. To have to travel to London or another hospital would mean a lot of extra time and money.

Glenda Veal (05/05/2011 09:02:48)

Our daughter spent many months and stressful days at the unit in 1999.THANK YOU to them all will just never be enough.Dr James,Marcus Haw and Dr Marsh and his PICU team were all amazing. Kiera is now 12 and leading a full and active life thanks to them all.She collapsed and had a cardiac arrest at 2 days old my fear for future children in similar circunstances would be the distance to travel to a cardiac centre I really believe Kiera would not have made the journey that night if she had to travel to London.DO NOT CLOSE THIS FANTASTIC UNIT FOR WHICH I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL.

Sharon and Fred Voller (05/05/2011 09:01:55)

My grandson was diagnosed from birth with conngentital heart disease. I do not know what my daughter would have done if he was at a hospital further away as she would not have had her family to support her. The care from the team of nurses and consultants was out of this world and my daughter and husband were treated brilliantly and become apart of the family as they say.

Anonymous (04/05/2011 22:38:22)

I am eternally grateful to Southampton Heart Care. Without their hard work and support, my step son would probably not be with us today. Thanks to them, he is a fantastic man, due to celebrate his 30th Birthday this year. The work they do is second to none, we need this unit to remain

Anonymous (04/05/2011 17:19:31)

Money isn't everything...our children are the future, why jepordise the future with draconian cuts to the best childrens heart unit in the country, with internationally recognised consultants, and fabulous nurses...LEAVE SOUTHAMPTON ALONE!

Anonymous (04/05/2011 17:14:18)

My son Sam was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot and had corrective surgery at 6 months old. In August 2010 he had his 2nd lot of surgery to replace his pulmonary valve. He is now 6ft and 16. Sam enjoys life to the full and we cannot thank Southampton Ocean Ward enough for all their help and support over the years. The care we have received is 2nd to none.

Anonymous (04/05/2011 10:30:36)

my daughter was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem,she had an operation to close a hole in her heart,she was only two years old at the time,prior to the operation she was very ill with low weight gain and breathing difficulties,as parents we were so worried that we were going to lose her,but thanks to the staff and the surgeon marcus haw,who saved her life,jade is a happy and healthy seven year old girl.
once again we would like to thank all the staff for all the love and care she recieved while on ocean ward.
save our heart unit now xx

helen ayres (03/05/2011 21:37:53)

our 5 month old grandaughter was in southampton dr marcus help her with several problems she has they did an amazing job,they are a wonderful team and gave her all the care she needed xxx

mr and mrs martindale (03/05/2011 17:33:10)

To close the best Childrens Heart Unit in the country, that is staffed by Consultant Surgeons of acknowledged International repute, is an act that cannot be justified by financial stringancy, or for operational reasons that stand up to scrutiny,it just does not make sense, and requires revision.

Michael Daniels (03/05/2011 17:10:47)

Southampton paediatric cardiac centre is especially essential for the care of children from the isle of Wight. The proposals have not taken into account the time taken to transport sick children across the Solent which can be up to 2-3 hours if in the middle of the night. If the unit shuts, and these sick children have to travel for a further 2 hours to reach a specialist centre, it is likely that there will be fatal consequences.

Paediatric nurse, Isle of Wight. (03/05/2011 16:20:42)

Hi, My name is Jonathan Upton and I was born with a complex heart condition. I've had multiple open-heart surgeries over the years including an aortic valve replacement. My first op was at the age of 17 shortly after I was diagnosed with a heart condition. Over the years most of my surgery and treatment has been carried out in London (both within the NHS and laterly the Private sector). In 2007 I good friend of mine, who was also born with CHD (Congenital Heart Disease) told me how good the centre at Southampton. To cut a long story short, I came along for an informal tour and met some of the team including Dr. Gruschen Veldtman. Everyone was so nice to me and supportive. I can truly say that I was blown-away by the facilities I saw, the staff I met and the whole approach to dealing and caring for CHD in children and adults.

Since transferring my care from London to Southampton in 2007 I've not looked back at all. I've been involved as a volunteer with helping with the centre's webs

Jonathan Upton (02/05/2011 22:45:06)

My youngest son needed to come to Southampton Heart unit as an outpatient when he was a tiny baby, who had been born 8 weeks before his due date. Luckily his problem was one that we havn't had to return for so far, but if it wasn,t for Southampton, I would not of had my mind put at ease so quickly,as they are the only paediatric heart unit we can use other than going to London which would be an horendous minimum 2hour journey from where we live. SOUTHAMPTON HEART UNIT MUST STAY OPEN

Marie Pomeroy (02/05/2011 17:12:01)

Our daughter Willow was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem at 4 months old, it is only due to the outstanding care and treatment that she recieved from Dr Vettukattil and the rest of the team on Ocean Ward that she is now a very healthy and active 7 year old. Thank You just doesn't seem to be enough. Southampton must stay open childrens lives depend on it!

Tammy Carter & Family (02/05/2011 15:54:58)

I had tetralogy of the fallot aged 3 months in 1985 at Southampton Hospital. At the time I was living in Jersey and have moved about the South West since, however I have always had my check ups at Southampton rather than a hospital closer to home. I am very grateful to all the surgeons, consultants and all other staff at the time of my operation and since- they have always been very helpful and I owe my life to them- I may not have been so lucky somewhere else. It will be outrageous to close such an outstanding ward, especially seeing as its been ranked so high up. I just hope something can be done to save it as I wouldn't want somebody missing out on the excellent service i received here.

Samantha Hayes (02/05/2011 12:07:38)

Hi, our son Benjamin was born at Southlands Hospital Shoreham and on Christmas day 1993 he was receiving his last rights as the doctors at this very large hospital had no idea why he was failing so drastically to thrive. He was transported to Portsmouth St Mary's where en'route the ambulance had a high speed head on collision in the middle of the night. All that was keeping Benjamin alive had come adrift and he was now in a state of hypoglycaemia. A Dr Mark Ashton at St Mary's Portsmouth took just 5 minutes to diagnose that Ben was suffering from a Co-Arctation of the Aorta. Ben was taken again from us at high speed to Southampton General.
Upon arrival here for the first time we felt an air of confidence. The staff seemed well practised and versed in all that was necessary and a Dr Keeton and a Dr Lamb then carried out the operation to save my sons life.
Our son Ben is now 17 a very hard working apprentice chef and member of the community.
The point in this: If Southampton had bee

John More (02/05/2011 10:07:42)

Our daughter had major heart surgery back in 1999 at 6 months old and we spent several weeks on and off at Southampton General Hospital. The standard of care and support is excellent at a time when your lives are turned upside down, coping with the diagnosis, holding down a job, and family responsibilities. That was 12 years ago and it took years for our daughter to not scream at every check-up appointment and to become familiar with the staff and routine. To think that we would have to start over and familiarise her and ourselves with a different hospital and consultants is scary and too much to comprehend, especially when the appointments are stressful enough already. The staff at Southampton General Hospital Children's Heart Unit are in a completely different league. This is a very special place and it would be devastating to so many lives if it were to close. If it's all to do with money, there must be beaurocracy/admin savings possibile somewhere - fancy managerial offices,

Nicole James (02/05/2011 09:02:14)

My nephew from Jersey was saved by this unit.

Yvonne Claremont (01/05/2011 17:30:17)

When I was 10 I came down with pneumonia, endocarditis and septicaemia. My diagnosis was late due to 3 weeks of GP error, as such the illness continued to progress until I was hospitalised at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. This was in 1995 when Plymouth lacked the facilities needed to treat me, as such I was transferred to Southampton General for specialist care.
In the three months I spent in the hospital my situation worsened and I was given the slimmest of survival odds, even being technically dead during surgery on a number of occasions. Through it all I fought on and survived. I know for a fact I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for the care given by the great team here. Not only did they nurse me back to health but they also helped my mum through what could be described as one of the most difficult times in her life, witnessing her son come close to death.
To hear that the unit is at risk has deeply saddened me and I would do anything I can to ensure the unit survives, after a

Carl Parmenter (01/05/2011 14:05:08)

Our daughter was born with a congenital heart condition. The diagnosis came as a shock, leaving us, inexperienced new parents, in fear and apprehension. However...Southampton General Hospital team solved it all. Our baby-girl was monitored, and then treated, and now-she is a healthy speedy-crawling babbling giggling happy baby. Every time I feel her heart-beat when holding her close, I say a little prayer and thank all the wonderful fantastic team at SGH. We were indeed blessed by their knowledge, expertise and above all-care and warmth. Such combination is hard to find. WE DO NOT WANT SGH TO BE CLOSED!!!!! NO NO NO!!!

Dalinda West (01/05/2011 00:04:48)

Why fix whats not broken! This hospital works, the statics prove this. In all honesty what is the point of these statics when they are ignored in favour of lesser units. Southampton heart unit saved my sons' life and continue to care for him and this is how we want it to stay - we have faith and trust in this unit and the people who manage it. SAVE OUR HEART UNIT NOW.

D.R.PEARCE (30/04/2011 20:46:18)

I have been a patient at Southampton for 21 years, due to having a congenital heart condition. At six weeks old Southampton hospital saved my life and I have been in their care ever since. I cannot offer enough support for this amazing hospital.

Rebecca Stickland (30/04/2011 16:32:34)

Rebecca Stickland (30/04/2011 16:32:14)

Only two English hospitals performed more than 500 procedures in the latest audited year and Southampton General was one of them. Without Southampton the entire south coast of England, from Land's End to Ramsgate, will be forced to go to London or Bristol for treatment. The foolishness of such a concept is manifest. How can London and Bristol absorb the 500 Southampton cases without becoming over-burdened?

Paul Cantlie (30/04/2011 11:24:23)

My son had a cardiac plug put in nearly four years ago. I was so impressed with the quality of care and the way staff made the children so at ease. I think it was wondeful and apart from the operation my son loved it!! He has had no problems with his heart since. Thank you everone.

Valerie Morrison (30/04/2011 07:56:36)

My daughter Laura had a very unfortunate accident when she was 18 months old. She had a tv fall on her resulting in her heart wall being split. We live in Salisbury and she was transferred to Southampton to undergo emergency surgery, saving her life.
The thought of closing the unit is nonsensical. It will put added pressure on other overstretched units and obvious effects on the family living away from home, often for long periods.
All aspects of care I couldn't fault, Southampton unit is fantastic and provides such great care for a huge geographical area already.
IT MUST NOT CLOSE.
We will be there in the Guild Square on the 24th May to show our support for the unit.

Christine Grinham (30/04/2011 07:22:04)

My wife had a aortic valve fitted when she was 12 years old, without the valve replacement i would have never met her. My wife goes to the hospital each year for check up, when they found out that she had out grown her valve in 2005.Thank to southampton hospital they fitted her with a new valve which should last her the rest of her life.
I also have a step son which has had 2 aortic valve replacement, one when he was about 6 mth old and the over when he was about 20 years old. Thank you to the nurses and the surgeons for they great work and there support. SO PLEASE KEEP SOUTHAMPTON OPEN

John Cook (30/04/2011 01:10:52)

my daughter has just been discharged from the heart unit and it would be a real shame if the unit closed and people had to travel who knows how far to get treatment. My daughter had a cardiac fistula and received the very best treatment. The hole actually healed its self and both my husband and I are grateful to Dr James for his care and attention.

Nicky, Steve and Blythe Chesworth (29/04/2011 20:18:58)

this hospital is the nearest for my daughter to travel from yeovil , she has been going since she was two , she's now thirty one , it will be extreamly difficult for her to travel to london for future check ups ,

jeanie , Rosewell . (28/04/2011 21:11:18)

Have just put your link on my facebook wall hope it helps.

mrs eva davis (28/04/2011 20:20:40)

My son Hayden has been treated on this unit since birth. He undertook his pacemaker surgery back in 2008 and will require surgery every 5 years roughly to have this replaced. Its is inconcievable that a unit ranked 2nd best in the country stands to loose its excellent heart surgery facility and the impact this would have would be great. The PICU will lose beds and the retrieval team will be cut, which is disatrous not only for heart families but for any sick child requiring this service on the south coast. The team of people that care for Hayden are outstanding from the nurses, to the surgeons which is what makes it such an excellent centre. It came 2nd for all of these things and to take away the surgery will be detrimental to the whole service the hospital gives. Thanks to all those on OCEAN WARD who are fantastic, you know who you are and without the care and support you've given us over the years I don't know where we'd be. THANK YOU FROM MY HEART.

Rachel Carter (28/04/2011 16:51:46)

I recently underwent heart surgery at Southampton and will be eternally grateful for the expertise and care I recieved. I want that care and professionalism to be available to all in the future, regardless of age.

Victor Spiteri (28/04/2011 15:38:50)

I have been treated at Southampton hospital since i was a baby as i have a hole in the heart and am now 26 and still see the doctors at the GUCH clinic regularly. My 2 little nieces are also treated at Southampton hospital for heart problems and all off us have had fantastic care. The level of care compared to other hospitals i have visited is outstanding. I am about to have my 1st baby and she will be monitored incase she also has a heart problem. We already travel quite far to get to the hospital for check ups it would seem ridiculous to have to travel all the way to London when they already have a fantastic unit at Southampton.

Victoria Brown (28/04/2011 14:35:46)

Our daughter Cora came to Southampton for what we thought be palliative surgery, she had already undergone 2 surgeries elsewhere. The incredible team found Cora had been misdiagnosed. They were amazing and performed a miracle surgery that has transformed my beautiful 5 year old. There are no words to express how much this means to us as a family. THANK YOU SOUTHAMPTON, WE WILL NOT LOOSE YOU

Deb Banyard (28/04/2011 13:48:56)

Our son was diagnosed with a VSD at 3 weeks old & monitored by Southampton until he was discharged at 10 months. Was such a comfort to know that IF he needed surgery it would have been done by one of the best teams in the country! SOUTHAMPTON MUST STAY OPEN!! x x x

Anonymous (28/04/2011 13:39:28)

My 5 month old daughter had several things wrong with her heart and dr Marcus haw saved her life.. The unit is amazing,very clean and has all the equipment needed... It's a very good hospital... the heart team are brilliant to my daughter and give her all the care she needs.... Xxx

Sophie Martindale (28/04/2011 13:05:17)

our son maximus had heart surgery at southampton age just 4mths and still comes for check ups. this hospital is fantastic and should be kept open!

charlotte lanyon-pickett (28/04/2011 10:15:32)

I'm sitting here writing this with my little Grandson on my lap.
He had Tetrology of Fallot at Birth, Thanks to Southampton he's a normal little Boy.
Their work was superb!
Southampton MUST NOT BE CLOSED!!!!

Chris (28/04/2011 09:10:42)

I myself was born with a hole in the heart which was repaired and now have a replacement aortic valve thanks to the care I received from southampton as a child. It would be a massive injustice to take the level of care I received from the children of the south coast. I very much hope this foolishness is reversed and southampton carries on providing first rate care locally to the children who need it most.

Peter Dawson (27/04/2011 22:57:13)

Official survey completed.
Good luck.
A Consultant in Wessex......

Anonymous (27/04/2011 22:51:12)

My name is ellen. i am 14 years old,and have been in and out of southampton hospital since the day i was born. the care is outstanding,and without them i would not of survived. i come from cambridge,which is already a long journey. if Southampton closes i will have to travel to london.

Ellen Maulder. (27/04/2011 22:49:46)

My daughter was born with VSD and Southampton children heart unit played major role in diagnosing it and monitoring it till she was discharged, so as a parent I know that how important they are to the system and hence I strongly feel that children heart unit must stay in southampton. parent of ANNA SHIBU

MRS.BEENA SHIBU (27/04/2011 21:34:56)

My daughter was under the care of Dr James Gnanapragasam at southampton Hospital. The care we recieve was amazing and the re assurance was great. All the staff were great at such a difficuilt time we were made to feel postive with the excellent help to hand. I also have my husband under the heart unit as he has a rare gentic disorder and the unit is still amazing so not only does this unit be amazing in children its fantasic right through adulthood too . SAVE OUR UNIT ITS THE BEST X

SARAH (27/04/2011 21:34:11)

My daughter, Katya, was diagnosed with a complex heart condition at 2 weeks of age. Her surgeon, Marcus Haw, performed 2 complex procedures on her...he and the team at Southampton are in my opinion the nearest thing to God. Katya is now a beautiful 9 year old. She has regular check ups at Southampton and we trust the team. The thought of closure is shocking.

Emma Davies, Dorchester, Dorset (27/04/2011 20:32:49)

My son was rushed to Southampton Hospital age four DAYS.He had a heart opperation. He is now 23yrs old.,but he is still having regular check ups. My husband and I, LOST A BABY two years previous,so we cant praise Doctors etc., at Southampton Hospital enough.Thamk you.

C, Bavage. Hampshire. (27/04/2011 19:41:32)

My son Omar was born with congenital heart disease. He was operated upon in Southampton shildren heart unit. The treatment he had was second to non. This was 13 years ago when he was 18 month old. He is now 14 years fit and well and it will be a great loss to close great unit like this. Please keep Southampton Children heart unit opened.

Mohammed Diab (27/04/2011 19:20:07)

My daughter is now a healthy, active 11 year old and this is all thanks to the heart unit at Southampton. She was born 11 weeks prematurely and weighed only 2 lb 4 oz. The first year of her life was very stressfull and on more than one occasion we wondered what sort of life she would have, If any. How can we thank you enough. Please dont close this unit.

Jude (27/04/2011 19:08:51)

My husband had open heart surgery at Southampton, and whilst he did not use the child care unit, his heart problem was congenital. The clinical care offered by this hospital is second to none. It is criminal to think they are looking to move the children's unit from here, absolutely ridiculous. We fully support the motion to keep the children's heart unit at Southampton hospital.

Julia & Gary (27/04/2011 18:56:51)

Our daughter Caitlin was born in 2000 with Down's Syndrome and a heart defect. She had surgery at Southampton when she was 4 months old and without the outstanding level of care she received we genuinely do not believe she would still be with us now. We cannot speak highly enough about all the staff at Southampton's children's heart unit. For parents to have the added stress of addtional travel, together with the distinct possibility of receiving a poorer level of service under no doubt further cuts, would be a terrible injustice not only to the families involved but also to the wonderful doctors and nurses who work in this unit. For them, going to work isn't a job it's a vocation and all their hard work and excellent results to date should be honoured by ensuring the children's cardiac unit at Southampton remains open. We've always said we owe the children's cardiac unit a debt we could never repay but we hope this message of support contributes in some way to help all concerned.

Wesley and Lisa Muir (27/04/2011 18:36:55)

My son had heart surgery at Southampton, he was 3 weeks old and was diagnosed with tetralogy of fallots. The Ocean ward staff and the surgeons were fantastic. Theygave us the information and most importantly the support that we needed. It was a very whirlwind few weeks, with having what we thought was a healthy baby to realising something was wrong at 10 days old to him having major heart surgery at 3 weeks. It was only due to the deligence of the cardiac unit that we still have a healthy, bouncing and very active 4 year old. So all must be done to promote the great work of this fantastic unit, which is sadly under threat. Thank You Ocean ward and the specialist paediatric cardiology staff.

Rachael Stevens (27/04/2011 17:55:44)

This service is important to lifes and those who love those lifes. Please save the unit. God Bless.

Chris Constantindou (27/04/2011 17:11:23)

My Son had Heart Surgery at Evelina,Guys in London, he was one month old and i did not know he was dying,it saved his life!! He was in and out of Guys constantly, my husband is in the Army and was told that we would have to move to Salisbury, but as my son was cherished and looked after so well at Guys i broke down at the thought, not wanting to move away from Guys and and the security and care they provided for ALL of us. The nurses and surgeons convinced me to go to Southampton and see for myself how great they were..... i did, we moved that year and they take care of my son just as good! Southampton saved my marriage, i would have told my husband to move without me!! I was not willing to have anyone but the trusted team at Guys, Southampton Ocean Ward has cared and made my son the little man he is today. THANKYOU Southampton, I hope you are saved, like you have been saving!! x

Vanessa Moncrieff (27/04/2011 17:00:26)

Our Daughter has been under consultation here since 1999. We cannot thank all the staff, especially Dr James Gnanapragasam. He is a wonderful kind man who gives us such fantastic support when we are most vulnerable. The unit is simply superb and must stay open. Why take away a perfectly outstanding service! The idea is just ludicrous!

Jodi Walker (27/04/2011 17:00:24)

My daughter was rushed to Southampton when she was two days old and had her first major heart op at 3 days. This was followed 11 months later with open heart surgery. Without the brilliance of her surgeon and consultant, and the care of the staff on Ocean Ward she wouldn't be here now. She's nearly 9 yrs old and we still visit Southampton for annual check ups and treatment, without the unit I'm not sure how we would fare. It's vital we don't lose the unit at Southampton, let's act now to stop this from happening. The staff there need our support.

Fran Minterne (27/04/2011 16:30:41)

My son Michael was born with Downs Syndrome and congential heart condition and is now 9 years old.
He had an operation just before his 1st birthday. The care he received before, during and after was outstanding and all of the staff on Ocean Ward and the clinics were fantastic.
This unit must stay open.

Adrian & Kate Cross (27/04/2011 16:14:54)

Our son Dylan had a heart operation back in December last year.
All the staff on ocean ward were fantastic and very helpful.

We can't praise them enough!

Please do not close Southampton as it saves so many lives every year!!

Clare Sanger from southampton (27/04/2011 16:04:20)

Our daughter Hannah was rushed from Wales to Southampton's children Heart Unit and operated on at 4 days old. Thanks to the excellent staff at the hospital my daughter is now due to celebrate her 24th birthday. Hannah has enjoyed very good health since her operation and visits the unit about every 5 years for her check up. After all this time we still choose to come down to Southampton as we have such faith in the care and the staff based there. As a family we would be very sad to see the unit close and it would be a great loss to the country.

Jacqueline Bailey (27/04/2011 15:22:48)

my daughter had surgery at this hospital and is very sad to hear that it may be closed down , and she would have to go somewhere else for her check ups. the work they do there is great i only hope that they keep it open.

sue barlwo (27/04/2011 15:18:29)

This is a first class unit providing a superb service for central Southern England, and also has the facilities
( Rotary Heartbeat House) to accomodate the relatives of those who have undergone surgery. It would be a travesty to close this unit.

Gerard Needham (27/04/2011 14:38:38)

The chances are,Chloe Dorricott from Yeovil Somerset,our great granddaughter, would not be alive today if it had not been for the LOCATION and EXCELLENT treatment and attention offered by Southampton Hospital.Further the enormous amount of time and money recently spent on extending the childrens heart department and parents accommodation (Heartbeat House)would I guess be WRITTEN OFF and spent again somewhere else.Which would obviously be money waisted.

Ken & Barbara Harrison (27/04/2011 14:18:35)

My son had a emergency op at southampton hospital heart unit 7 years ago, my son was very upset to hear that they may be shutting the heart unit down and would have to go somewere else. the work that they do at southampton is brilliant and we would all hate to see it shut and our kids have to go and meet new doctors at new hospitals its already hard enough for our young kids to deal with the possiblity of another operation without worrying them about having to see new doctors at new hospitals

claire smith (27/04/2011 13:51:19)

Our son Harry was found with heart disease as a new baby he has had two major heart operations. We cannot praise enough the dedication Ocean Ward gave to us and Harry . Harry is now a thriving eleven year old and since his operations has never had any problems with his health. He has a check up every year and we are prepared to drive to Southampton as we live in the Berkshire area.Please do not close this hospital just think how many lives are saved.

Rob and Lynn Merritt (27/04/2011 13:48:04)

my son is treated by the hospital once a year following a heart op at just seven days old,i cannot praise the work they do there enough and i cant imagine havin to go somewhere else .we owe them everything and they should be awarded not closed...

kerry knight (27/04/2011 13:26:49)

our daughter was born with a hole in her heart and congenital heart condition without the help of southampton hospital our daughter would not be here.we are sure alot of parents would feel the same please you cannot close this unit think of the children that could die if they have to go to other hospitals please please dont close it.

helen lofthouse (27/04/2011 13:13:51)

Hi, my son was born with pulmonary atresia and a vsd in fifteen years ago. He received surgery at 11 days old and has had another openheart operation 4 years ago! We have always had fantastic service from southampton and it gives me reassurance to know I can ring for advice whenever necessary. My son is a healthy boy who lives life to the full and I am sure it is Southampton that has made this possible.

Karen Coates (27/04/2011 12:55:30)

My daughter was born with a congential heart condition and now at 10 years old has been discharged from the hospital. The care Katy received was outstanding and all of the staff were fantastic and always helpful. Please don't close down this unit.

Catherine (27/04/2011 12:39:51)

My son has a very unusual condition and the life saving surgery he had at Southampton is one of the procedures that S&S has identified as being one of the very rare, complex and highest risk procedures. Southampton is one of only two units in the country with the relevant expertise and experience to have successfully performed a number of these procedures - S&S Team Take Note!!

Rex (27/04/2011 12:29:41)

hi, Im 19 years old now with a congenital heart condition, when I was sixteen I was in Southampton to have open heart surgery, I was very happy with the hospital as it was up too high standards and the staff was very easy too get alone with, I will be very upset if Southampton close's and I will be doing everything I can too help.

Teri Jones (27/04/2011 12:14:31)

Our son, Samuel, was born with 3 holes in his heart and serious pulmonary venous drainage problems. The care he received then and now is outstanding. Southampton is and has always been a centre of excellence. As parents we have always felt fully supported and reassured that our son is getting the best possible treament. Communication and care is outstanding. It is unbelievable, even madness, that this top performing unit, 2nd in the country, can even be considered for closure. PCT, please think again. Do not take this outstanding and much valued facility away from us.

Sally and Tom Nash (27/04/2011 11:15:46)

My son was born in 2006 with a congenital heart problem. The staff at Southampton's Ocean ward not only helped my son but they helped me to deal with the challenges that faced me. Dr James Gnanaprgasm has always been there for us and I don't know if I would be so confident with my son's condition if it wasn't for his help and support.

Tamara Armstrong (27/04/2011 11:11:21)

hi my son was born 24 yrs ago with a complex heart condition namely truncus arteriosis type 1. To my knowledge Wales has no specialist cardiac unit and Southamton s cardiac unit not only saved Ioan s life but has become our security. Dr Salmon has been involved with Ioan s care since he was 11 days of age. Please don t take away Ioan s security, our security. In our eyes Southampton s cardiac unit is the best please support cardiac patient s and their families by keeping the cardiac unit open.

G lloyd and family (26/04/2011 21:00:38)

Hi my name is Donna, i am a patient at southampton heart unit because i was born with congenital heart contion witch i had the surgery called TGA done in guys hospital in london when i was a baby.So i would like to help as mush as i can.
.

donna talbot (26/04/2011 18:43:33)

I am grateful for my visit to Southampton Hospital. I am fortunate that my heart condition was not serious enough need surger, although I still have a heart problem. Southampton is NEEDED and a great hospital, and the staff the best I have ever met, thank you Southampton.

Dorothy Nicol (26/04/2011 17:45:52)

Cannont believe that there is a possibility of losing this fantastic service at Southampton. We live in Plymouth and travel to Southampton for my son's care. The Southampton team also do an outpatient clinic at our local hospital which is invaluable. Please, please, please do not close this fantastic unit

Sue Copson (26/04/2011 17:36:24)

My son had surgery at Southampton for coarctation of the aorta in 1994, he has just pat the fitness test to join the Royal Marines.He would not be here without Southampton and I truly believe that travelling further away would seriously affected our family support and his recovery

Claire Davy (26/04/2011 12:59:06)

my son had an asd repair at south hampton hospital, he was born with a condition called sotos sydrome which makes him young for his age and is very scared of new places south hampton hospital made an huge impact in his life not only did they repair the fault he also loved every moment there and when i take him to one of his many hospital appiontment two years on and he still asks if we are going to the big fun hospital (south hampton) if he had any other work that needed doing this would be my personal choice as it is just sublime and would be devestated if it were to close.

catherine mills (26/04/2011 12:58:13)

hi my name is kim i am a patint at southampton heart unit but for me i had my heart surgery done at great ormound street which went well i am now awaiting having value surgery and i would like to do all i can to help

kim dore (26/04/2011 11:21:21)

Typical of this government to be considering axing this unit! Sterling work and completely neccesary, especially in this large area.

Anonymous (25/04/2011 11:55:21)

The heart unit has looked after an ex- pupil from our school and she has thrived under their care. It would be a tragedy if this service was moved to less effective centres just because they are nearer. expertise and success rates should be valued not overlooked because less effective centres are deemed to be more convenient.

Karen Stonehouse, Headteacher, Bartley CE Junior Sch. (25/04/2011 09:45:15)

My daughter was born with VSD and Southampton children heart unit played major role in diagnosing it and monitoring it till she was discharged, so as a parent and employee of the trust I know that how important they are to the system and hence I strongly feel that children heart unit must stay in southampton.

Mrs Bijal Joshi (22/04/2011 01:41:32)