This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Cystic fybrosis screening
17/02/2003
All new parents will be invited to have their new born
babies tested for cystic fibrosis in the first few days of
their lives to ensure earlier detection and better
treatment of the chronic disease, the Executive announced
today.
It is hoped that the screening programme will find
earlier the 20 to 30 children born with cystic fibrosis a
year.
Announcing the new national screening programme which
begins this month, Deputy Health Minister Mary Mulligan
said:
"Sadly, we cannot prevent a child being born with cystic
fibrosis but through early diagnosis we can make sure that
treatment is given at the earliest possible stage so that
the complications associated with cystic fibrosis may be
less severe and that parents are given the information and
support they need to care for the child.
"The introduction of cystic fibrosis screening is yet
another step towards meeting the pledge set out in the
Scottish Health Plan to give every child in Scotland the
best possible start in life. This includes better pre-birth
services for mothers, promotion of healthier lifestyles and
better services for children with special needs."
Rosie Barnes, of the National Cystic Fibrosis Trust,
said:
"The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has recognised the importance
of screening babies for cystic fibrosis at birth for many
years. Not only does it save babies and their families
months if not years of suffering and inappropriate
treatment, it is now clear that babies who are diagnosed at
birth and treated immediately will be more likely to remain
in good health for longer than those who do not receive
effective treatment for months or years.
"The Cystic Fibrosis Trust would like to thank the
Scottish Executive for introducing newborn screening for
CF. It will spare a great deal of misery and will enable
babies with CF to lead healthier lives for longer."
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease which mainly
effects the lungs and can cause recurrent and persistent
chest infections and malnourishment.
Between 20 and 30 children are born with CF each year in
Scotland. There are currently 389 children in Scotland
affected by the condition.
About half of patients born recently can expect to
survive to age 60 years compared with 19 years three
decades ago.
At present most newborn babies have a dried blood spot
specimen taken around the sixth day of life to test for
phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism. Newborn
screening for cystic fibrosis will be introduced using the
same blood spot.
The NHS Scotland screening programmes, National Services
Division Common Services Agency in conjunction with NHS
Boards and Trusts will co-ordinate and monitor the
implementation of the screening. The cost will be met by
NHS Boards and Trusts.
Other developments to support a range of pregnancy and
newborn screening programmes, including cystic fibrosis,
are being developed:
- Information leaflets
- Training road show events around Scotland for
health visitors and midwives
- Quality Standards are currently being developed by
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland