International cardiology experts are to examine the current and future needs for congenital heart disease service in the 32 counties.

The assessment team will examine the existing hospital services in both jurisdictions and outline options for service configuration and governance arrangement, according to the Department of Health.

It will then report to the Departments of Health north and south recommending the most appropriate model that meets the population health needs and other requirements of both jurisdictions.

The review is due to start in January 2014 and be completed in six months.