The commitment of the pediatric thoracic specialists of the UMCU/WKZ in the areas of surgery, anesthesia and ICU is crucial for a significant number of our children with cancer.
We support the minister in his plan to concentrate pediatric cardiac surgery. It was announced this week that the minister wants the proposed concentration of pediatric heart surgery to take place in Groningen and Rotterdam. And not, as we expected, in Utrecht. This will partially negate the successful concentration of complex pediatric oncology care.
We are deeply disappointed with this decision. The unique collaboration on pediatric cardiac surgery and pediatric oncology unfortunately cannot be taken over by other centers. The specific expertise of a pediatric thoracic surgeon and pediatric anesthesiologist is highly necessary for children with cancer in the Netherlands.
Keep the heart central!
Following the proposed decision by the minister that pediatric heart surgery will not be concentrated in Utrecht, a group of parents of patients started a petition. Because the UMC Utrecht/WKZ is there for all heart children from every region in the Netherlands, including children with cancer.
The more signatures, the more impact. Will you sign too? You can find the petition here.