THE people of York are being urged to have their say on the future of children’s heart surgery services in our region as a huge consultation enters its final 14 days.

The NHS’s Safe and Sustainable review has proved hugely controversial among parents and health professionals as it could see the removal of lifesaving child surgery services from Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) to Newcastle.

Now, as the consultation process on the plans draws to a close, the NHS claimed only 46 people in York had made their views known.

Dr Sue Hobbins, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the Safe and Sustainable Steering Group, said the goal of the review was “excellence”.

She said: “I encourage people to have their say before July 1.

“The NHS would like to hear people’s views about the options that have been recommended or any alternative suggestions that people may have. No decisions have been made and every response will be considered.”

However, parents of former child heart surgery patients from York are angry that they could face a two-hour ambulance journey to Newcastle if services are moved from the nearer LGI.

The NHS points out no decisions will be made until it has considered all information and views submitted during the consultation. A decision is expected later this year.

Complete your consultation on line by visiting ipsos-mori.com/safeandsustainable