AQW 27121/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/05/2025
Answered On Date: 30/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health why blood tests to screen for Down's syndrome, Edward's syndrome and Patau's syndrome are not being offered, despite National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines, by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises the 4 UK Health Departments, has made a number of recommendations in relation to antenatal screening for fetal anomalies and inherited conditions. These have been considered by the Northern Ireland Screening Committee (NISC), following which, the Department asked the Public Health Agency and the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to undertake an assessment of the actions required and potential costs of offering antenatal screening for fetal anomalies and inherited conditions in Northern Ireland, as recommended by the UK NSC.

Further assessment work is currently being undertaken, with this programme of work expected to inform a future Northern Ireland policy decision on antenatal screening for fetal anomalies and inherited conditions.

In January 2022, the Department formally endorsed NICE Clinical Guideline NG201 on Antenatal care as applicable in Northern Ireland. The circular issued to Health and Social Care Trusts notes that where the NICE guidance makes reference to Public Health England/NHS screening programmes, Northern Ireland healthcare professionals should refer to Northern Ireland specific information.