THE panel which must decide the future of child heart surgery services in Yorkshire is urging people to have their say in the final three days of public consultation.

The controversial Safe And Sustainable Review being undertaken by the NHS could see seriously ill children in York having to travel to Newcastle for heart surgery, instead of Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), where such procedures are now handled.

The possibility has sparked an outcry from parents, doctors and heart specialists. Only last week a petition with half a million signatures against the plan was handed in to Downing Street.

However, Dr Sue Hobbins, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the Safe And Sustainable Steering Group, said no decision had been made and “every response would be considered”.

She said: “The NHS is continuing to gather views and data to ensure decision makers have all the information available before decisions are made later in the year.

“The goal is excellence; excellent care for all children with congenital heart disease right across the country.

“I encourage people from York 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.”

The idea behind the Safe And Sustainable review is to concentrate child heart surgery specialists and facilities in fewer, but larger centres throughout the UK. However, only one out of the four options on the table would see the lifesaving operations stay at LGI.

Parents from York whose children have had surgery at LGI have criticised the increased journey time from York to Newcastle, which some believe could put young lives at risk.

A decision from the panel is not expected until the winter. To fill in the consultation form before the Friday deadline, go to specialisedservices.nhs.uk/safeandsustainable