HC Deb 14 March 1988 vol 129 cc462-3W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to ensure that screening and counselling services are accessible to all people at risk from inherited blood disorders when he introduces the national haemoglobinopathy card.

Mrs. Currie

The introduction of the national haemoglobinopathy card will not in any way change existing medical practices. The purpose of the card, to be introduced around April, is to ensure

  1. (i) appropriate treatment for those with the disease,
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  2. (ii) that people identified with the trait should receive the appropriate counselling,
  3. (iii) for those screened and found to be "normal", reassurance and avoidance of duplicate screening.

Individuals identified as being "at risk" from inherited blood disorders are offered counselling as part of the existing process.