Public consultation about future of Glenfield heart unit delayed

The public consultation about plans to stop surgery at a specialist heart unit at Glenfield Hospital has been delayed until the New Year to enable talks between health bosses to continue. The unit treats hundreds of children from the Lincolnshire area.

More than 80,000 people have signed petitions against the NHS plans. A new extension to the children's cardiac ward at the hospital was also opened last week, as the hospital continues to strive to meet new targets.

The extension means more beds are now available for youngsters who need specialist care. Staff say it also proves they're committed to the future of this unit.

NHS England announced earlier this summer that surgery could soon stop at Glenfield, as doctors aren't operating enough times a year in line with safety standards.

For the parents of young children in Lincolnshire that could mean travelling further for emergency care.

Sean and Lauren's daughter Cecilia received life saving emergency treatment at Glenfield just six months ago, They say it's vital that work there continues, and believe the extension of the hospital could be a positive sign.

The public consultation has also now been delayed and will take place in the new year. NHS England says it's been listening carefully to patients, clinicians and trusts - and that allowing more time will enable more detailed information to be compiled about what future services might look like, to ensure the right decisions are made.

Lincolnshire County Council is welcoming that delay.

NHS England also says the proposed changes are not about closing services, but ensuring patients are treated by the right people, in the right place at the right time. They also insist the site in Leicester would retain some services.

You can watch a full video report by Kate Hemingway below: