The workshop, which was held today in the Civic Centre in Lisburn, brought together leading health experts in this field along with representatives from relevant Government Departments, Public Health Bodies, Sports Council, and Voluntary Organisations.
Speaking after the workshop Dr McBride said that Sudden Cardiac Death has had a devastating impact on the lives of those who had lost a loved one.
He said: “In September, the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, gave his commitment to the Northern Ireland Assembly to look at a way forward with this complex issue. This workshop is one of a number of things that have been organised in order to fulfil that commitment.
“The key aim of the workshop was to consider if anything more could be done to reduce the number of deaths that occur in Northern Ireland, especially with regard to our young people.
“Every young death is a tragedy, but when that death occurs in an apparently fit and healthy young person, the devastation is much greater because it is unexpected and comes without any kind of warning. Behind all the statistics, there is a child who had dreams and ambitions, and a family left to grieve.
“As well as organising this workshop, the Minister also asked me to write to the UK National Screening Committee asking if they can prioritise their planned policy review on research evidence on screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The committee, which advises the four UK Health Departments on all aspects of screening, had previously advised that the current evidence does not support the introduction of a screening programme.
“The Committee has now commissioned this review and it is anticipated that it will be completed by May 2008.”
In addition, Dr McBride said a Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing is due to be published for consultation in May 2008. At the Minister’s request, he said he has written to the chair of the group, asking for sudden cardiac death to be addressed within the framework and asked that account is taken of the chapter covering arrhythmia and sudden cardiac deaths in the Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework developed for England.
Dr McBride continued: “Today’s conference was extremely useful and informative. As well as hearing from leading experts, we also heard from voluntary and community groups who work closely with families who have been affected by tragedy.
“Sudden Cardiac Death is a very complex issue. Raising awareness is very important. It is right that the public has the information it needs to properly understand this issue. However, there is a balance which must be achieved.
“We must ensure that we do not cause undue anxiety among parents and families by suggesting that this problem is more common than it really is. Furthermore, we do not want to discourage young people from participating in sport or taking exercise.
“Today’s workshop represents an important opportunity for us to try and get this right. But I believe that by working together, listening and sharing our knowledge and information we will find the best way forward for all our young children.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Key speakers at the workshop in the Lisburn Civic Centre included:
Dr Pascal McKeown, a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital and would be heavily involved with families affected by sudden cardiac death in Northern Ireland.
Dr Brian Maurer, a consultant cardiologist and chair of the Department of Health and Children’s special taskforce on sudden cardiac death. The report of the taskforce “Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach” was published in March 2006.
Dr Deidre Ward, Consultant Cardiologist in Dublin will speak on her work on the management of inherited cardiac diseases.
Dr Sanjay Sharma, Consultant Cardiologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer, King’s College Hospital and Cardiologist for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to discuss the case for screening.
Dr Frank Casey,Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital; and Stephanie Leckey, Heartstart UK to discuss Resuscitation Support.
2. Attending today’s conference were a range of health experts within this field along with those from the relevant government departments, public health bodies, Sports Council, and voluntary organisations, as well as representatives from Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the Cormac Trust which was set up after the sudden death of Tyrone GAA player Cormac McAnallen in 2004.
3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520536. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
