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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Conservative). It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 22 April 2013.


NHS: ECMO Machines

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether extra-corporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines that are capable of restoring heart functions some hours after an apparently fatal heart attack are in use in any NHS hospitals; and, if not, what consideration is being given to their installation.

Answer

My Lords, the equipment and facilities to undertake cardiac ECMO support are available in all five NHS adult cardiothoracic transplant centres in England and in the five national respiratory ECMO centres, three of which share a location. Provision of cardiac ECMO support is a complex intervention with significant risks attached to it. A cardiac ECMO service requires a fully trained team to be available around the clock and does not consist of simply purchasing the medical equipment.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
744 cc1212-4 
Session
2012-13
Oral question type
Lead
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Heart diseases Medical treatments Medical equipment
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk