Campaign to save Ocean Ward

I have become involved with - the campaign to save Ocean Ward – the brilliant children's cardiac surgery centre in Southampton that has saved – and continues to improve - the lives of so many Salisbury children. Last week I attended a meeting in Parliament about the ongoing national review of children's cardiac surgery which aims to reduce the number of paediatric cardiac surgery centres.

On Friday, Richard, Kirsty and Lucy Maguire were among the visitors to my advice surgery.

I was delighted to discuss the progress of the campaign with them and also to sign the petition for the retention of paediatric cardiac surgery at Southampton.

The Maguire family are one of many Salisbury families who have been in touch with me over the last few weeks who have good reason to be grateful for the care and expertise at Southampton. As a desperately poorly baby, Lucy underwent complex lifesaving open heart surgery and is today a beautiful four-year-old, who enjoys school, ballet and swimming lessons.

In my view, the only criteria the review should consider is which option will deliver the greatest number of wonderful outcomes like this one.

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