Speaking after an Assembly debate on heart screening, the Minister said it was unfortunate that the issue had been raised following the tragic deaths of two children.
He said: “Every young death is a tragedy but when it occurs in an apparently fit and healthy person the devastation is much greater. I want to express my sincere sympathy to the families of Patrick Devlin and Patrick Breen.”
Most sudden deaths in young people occur as a result of underlying heart problems, there is not a single condition and there are many different causes. In fact, over 20 different conditions have been identified as causes of sudden cardiac death in young people.
The Minister continued: “I am aware there have been calls for a screening programme. We must first consider whether the available evidence indicates that screening is the right course of action.
“This is a complex issue, there is no specific test or one single solution to identifying all those at risk of the different causes of sudden cardiac death. Even if there were a successful screening test it would be difficult to define what age to start screening. The majority of people with an underlying condition frequently do not have any symptoms for most of their lives and live a normal life.
“The UK National Screening Committee which advises the four UK Health Departments on all aspects of screening has reviewed the evidence and advised that it does not support the introduction of a screening programme. This policy advice is due for review in 2007/08 and I have asked my officials to accelerate this process as much as possible.”
In Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is currently developing a Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing.
“I have asked that sudden cardiac death is addressed within our framework which is due to be published in April 2008.
“I believe it is worth taking the time to get this right. The Chief Medical Officer has agreed to lead a workshop for leading health experts in cardiology, clinical psychologists, genetics and relevant government departments and agencies to explore thoroughly what further steps are available to us and to inform future policy development.
“We want to get this right. This is the proper tribute this Assembly should pay to our children who have lost their lives so young to this terrible condition.”
Notes to Editors:
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