AQW 52306/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 17/09/2026
Answered On Date: 02/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any reasons why PLGF-based testing for suspected preterm pre-eclampsia is not available in Northern Ireland, despite being available elsewhere in the UK.

Answer:

I am supportive of the implementation of placental growth factor (PlGF) tests. A business case has been developed and considered by my Department and the Public Health Agency (PHA) Women’s and Children’s Planning Team. It assesses the feasibility of regional implementation and outlines the resources, costs and potential delivery models required to introduce PlGF testing across Northern Ireland.

Funding for the implementation of PlGF testing has not yet been secured and, therefore, it is not currently possible to provide a definitive timetable for implementation.

While my Department continues to face significant financial pressures, I remain committed to progressing this work and will provide updates as further information becomes available.