FIRST CALL
FOR PROPOSALS ON CHANGES TO SCREENING PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED IN IRELAND
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ...
NSAC Chair, Professor Niall O’Higgins, launched the inaugural NSAC Annual Call on November 1st.
T
he National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) is an independent advisory committee which advises the Minister for Health about new national population based screening programmes, or changes to existing programmes. The Committee has launched its first Annual Call seeking proposals from the public on new screening programmes that may be adopted in Ireland, as well as suggestions for changes to five existing programmes, delivered by the HSE and the National Screening Service: BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, BowelScreen, Diabetic RetinaScreen and the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. Since its establishment in 2019, the NSAC has made two recommendations to the Minister for Health which are currently being implemented by the HSE: In 2020 the NSAC recommended the addition of ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency – Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) to the list of conditions screened for as part of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme.
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BreastCheck CervicalCheck BowelScreen Diabetic RetinaScreen National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme • New screening programmes The call will remain open until Thursday, December 23rd 2021. If you have any questions on how to submit a proposal, please get in touch with the NSAC Secretariat by email NSAC_Annual_Call@health.gov.ie
The NSAC also recommended the modification of the Diabetic RetinaScreen - the National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme in 2020, to extend the interval between screens from one to two years for people with diabetes who are at low risk of retinopathy. This change will reduce unnecessary clinic visits and examinations for lower risk patients. However, the Annual Call is the first time that the public and professionals alike can make proposals to the Committee. At the launch of the Annual Call the Chair of the NSAC, Prof Niall O’Higgins, said, “The
Committee is excited to move into the newest phase of its important work by launching the first annual call for proposals for changes to screening in Ireland. “This call gives the public an opportunity to contribute to the work programme of the Committee as it considers the possibility of introducing new programmes or indeed in making changes to our existing population- based screening programmes. “There is abundant and convincing evidence from around the globe that screening for many diseases can aid prevention, early diagnosis and treatment which can reduce death rates, prevent illness and improve quality of life for people. “It is very important that we consider these matters within a rigorous, scientific process in an open, transparent and inclusive way so all members of society can have an input.” The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was delighted to welcome the launch of the Annual Call and encouraged anyone who has a proposal for a new screening programme or changes to one of our existing programmes to take this opportunity to make a submission, noting that it is really important that the NSAC hears from the public and patients as we strive to develop policy in relation to screening in a transparent and inclusive manner. There is still time to make a submission to the NSAC and the Committee are encouraging anyone with a proposal to engage with this process. Detailed information on how to make a proposal to the Committee can be found on the NSAC website www.nsacommittee.gov.ie
