Cross-border model is working for children with heart problems

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Councillor Patricia Logue says improvements in children's heart surgery achieved through cross-border co-operation should be emulated across all areas of health and the public services.

She was speaking after an international conference in Belfast heard that the all-island Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Network is delivering better outcomes for children across Ireland.

She said: “I am not surprised that a logically approach to healthcare provision on the island of Ireland is producing better health outcomes and the demand for these services are rising.”

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“We have been arguing for years that two health systems on the island of Ireland, doesn’t make sense. There are so many possibilities for further development for example, a Perinatal mental health service, covering the island of Ireland would provide a much needed and sustainable service.

“There is a great capacity in border areas to cooperate together but cooperation in health can benefit all communities. This is more important than ever, given the threat posed by Brexit.

“The all-island Congenital Heart Disease Network are leading the way but there are other services we could be looking at especially as we set about a process for much needed transformation under Michelle O’Neill’s Delivering Together plan.”