The Archbishop of York has backed the fight to keep children’s heart surgery in Leeds – and given his blessing to legal action over the move.
Dr John Sentamu met youngsters at the under-threat unit as he announced his support for the campaign to keep it open.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post he was pleased campaigners had started a legal challenge against the controversial plan.
And he said NHS trusts should not be “played off against one another”.
In July NHS heads decided children’s heart surgery should be stopped in Leeds, with patients going to Newcastle instead.
The decision is now being reviewed by an independent panel, while the legal case will be heardin February.
Dr Sentamu said: “I’m very grateful that they are to go to court in order for the facts to come out, and I’m grateful that the Secretary of State has decided to have an independent review.
“The families can’t speak highly enough of this place.
“The evidence does not support the decision. It is inconceivable that we could lose such a fantastic integrated local service.”
Dr Sentamu said he had already privately expressed his support for the unit to Government ministers, and yesterday met young patients, including 12-week-old Jacob Layton.
The tot was resuscitated three times – including by his dad Stephen – when he collapsed aged three weeks.
Following treatment in Wakefield and Sheffield, Jacob was diagnosed with a rare heart condition which was affecting his trachea.
He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent surgery soon afterwards.
His mum Vanessa Robinson, from Ryhill near Wakefield, said: “I didn’t think he would make it each time he collapsed.
“It’s been a nightmare. But he is doing fantastic.”
She said having to travel to Newcastle would be “hell”. “I just hope they keep it open,” she added.
Mum of twins Charlotte Formosa, from York, was hoping she could take Caleb and Ethan home, a week after Caleb underwent heart surgery.
She said: “It would’ve been very hard as Caleb was admitted the day he had a scan in York.
“Trying to get to Newcastle would’ve been awful, especially when they are so little.”
Following the visit, Sir Neil McKay – chair of the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts which made the decision, said: “The NHS decision making committee listened very carefully to all the views expressed during the largest consultation in NHS history.”
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