UK National Screening Committee
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the topic of UK National Screening Committee and all its implications. From its origins to its relevance today, including its impact on different areas of society, we will delve into a detailed analysis that seeks to shed light on this fascinating topic. Through a series of research, interviews and expert opinions, we aim to offer a complete and exhaustive overview that allows our readers to fully understand the importance and complexity of UK National Screening Committee. Without a doubt, this article will become an indispensable reference for all those interested in learning more about UK National Screening Committee.
The UK National Screening Committee co-ordinates the screening of people for medical conditions within the United Kingdom. Since April 2013 it has been part of Public Health England.
The committee was established in 1996, with Sir Kenneth Calman (Chief Medical Officer for England 1991–1998) as its first chairman. Professor Bob Steele (a specialist in colorectal cancer) has held the post since August 2016.
The committee maintains a list of policies in relation to various types of screening, and attempts to balance the risks against the benefits in each case. Some policies say that screening should be provided for everyone or some people, others that screening is not recommended. Each year it publishes a report reviewing its work.
In November 2013, the committee were involved in the testing of a new non-invasive prenatal blood test for Down's Syndrome at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Invasive screening methods, either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, result in a miscarriage in 1 out of every 100 tests. An estimated 90% of women who learn that their child has Down's syndrome choose to have an abortion. The outcome of the test will not be healthier children with the syndrome, but fewer.
Leaders
- Sir Kenneth Calman – 1996 to 1998
- Henrietta Campbell (Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland) – 1998 to 2006
- Dr Harry Burns (Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government) – 2006 to 2013
- Professor David Walker (deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, PHE regional director) – 2013 to 2016
- Professor Bob Steele – since 2016
See also
References
- ^ a b "New chair of UK National Screening Committee: I feel very honoured - PHE Screening". phescreening.blog.gov.uk. Public Health England. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "UK National Screening Committee recommendations: annual report". GOV.UK. Public Health England. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "UK doctors trial Down syndrome blood-test". Bioedge. 9 November 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
- ^ a b "History of the UK NSC". UK National Screening Committee. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
- ^ "Annual report, 2013/14" (PDF). GOV.UK. UK National Screening Committee. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Professor David Walker". GOV.UK. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
