The NHS Plan (Department of Health (DOH) 2000) set the framework for modernisation of all health service provision, with emphasis on reducing the health divide in society by providing quality care across all agencies, based on evidence, supported by appropriate technologies and quality assurance mechanisms.
This has prompted new initiatives to be put into place to modernise antenatal and child health screening services, to ensure that expectant parents can make informed choices about which tests to have.
Screening in early pregnancy is an essential component of good quality maternity care, and a fundamental entitlement for the mother and her unborn baby. This commitment covers three different screening programs:
- Antenatal screening for Thalassaemia
- Antenatal screening for Sickle Cell
- Neonatal screening for Sickle Cell
Screening Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Disorders
This section is designed to help future and expectant parents understand the importance of knowing if they carry Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia.
What are Sickle Cell Disorders & Thalassaemia Major?
They are both inherited conditions of the blood, which affect haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying substance which gives blood its red colour.
Children with Sickle Cell Disorder can have attacks of severe pain (crisis) or sudden life-threatening infections.
Children with Thalassaemia Major are severely anaemic and need blood transfusions every four weeks and regular injections for life.
What are Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Carriers (Trait)?
Both Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia disorders exist in two forms; one is the disorder form and the other is the carrier form (trait). People who are carriers are usually healthy people.
