[Laura Freeborn]

The IRP, the independent expert on NHS service change, is undertaking a review to consider whether the Safe and Sustainable proposals for children’s congenital heart services will enable the provision of safe, sustainable and accessible services.

The Health Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has asked the IRP to carry out an independent review following referrals from the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee.

As part of our review, we would like to hear from all interested parties. We have access to all the responses submitted by HOSCs as part of the consultation exercise that was held in 2011. In addition, if any HOSCs feel that they have new or further comments to offer, please email us at: info@irpanel.org.uk or write to us at: 6th Floor, 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SP.

We have been asked to make recommendations to the Health Secretary by 28 February 2013 (subject to any change of date that may be made). The final decision on changes to services will be made by the Health Secretary.

It is important that our reviews are open and accountable to local communities. We will therefore publish our findings on our website - www.irpanel.org.uk - once they have been considered by the Health Secretary.

IRP Secretariat
On behalf of the IRP