THE story of baby Lily-Rose Newman shows how brilliant the NHS can be when it really matters.

People may have their moans and groans about it sometimes – especially when faced with lengthy queues for treatment – but when it really counts there is nothing to better it in the world.

Within two days of being diagnosed with a serious heart problem, Lily-Rose was undergoing major life-saving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary.

Her parents, Tony and Clare, can’t thank the surgeons and staff enough – and yet it’s galling to think this unit may soon be closed.

Does the thinking behind this proposal include the need to care for the entire family?

When a child is undergoing such major surgery the it is vital the parents can be there and have a support network of family and friends close to them.

Although no-one will doubt the quality of the specialist services further away, it would make the recovery process far more difficult and put the parents under tremendous emotional and financial strain.