HUK Launches Report on the Economic Impact of Screening at Stormont On the 17th February, Haemochromatosis UK launched a report stating the economic impact of screening for GH in Northern Ireland at Stormont, Northern Ireland Assembly Buildings in Belfast. The event was very well-attended by MLA's, the Department for Health in Northern Ireland, the GH community, and many more. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, and Steve Aiken OBE MLA were amongst those in attendance, both of whom delivered remarks and commended the work of HUK and FTI Consulting LLP in the creation of this report. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA Mike Nesbitt commented: 'I'm very aware of the work that's been taking place in Northern Ireland over the past few years, specifically the work of Haemochromatosis UK raising awareness about the condition...despite being one of the most common genetic disorders here it's also considered to be a rare disease.' Steve Aiken OBE MLA, who has genetic haemochromatosis himself, proceeded Mike Nesbitt's comments, stating his dedication to improved screening practices for GH in Northern Ireland. Steve Aiken OBE MLA Steve Aiken remarked: 'I was very pleased to hear the Minister's remarks...and I'll be whispering very loudly in his ear about the fact that I think we should push for more and more testing across Northern Ireland...I'm here to support you and make sure we're pushing forward.' Haemochromatosis UK commissioned FTI Consulting LLP to evaluate the costs and benefits of screening for GH in Northern Ireland and they have found that there is a clear economic case for screening for GH in Northern Ireland. FTI presented the report to the room, outlining their key findings. Many of our GH community were in attendance to support us, alongside volunteers involved in the We Are Overloaded photography project, including Cathal McNaughton himself! Professor Jim Wilson, Chief Investigator of the Viking Genes project that is developing an 'GH Atlas' to find the hotspots of the condition, was also in attendance. HUK CEO Neil McClements delivered the closing remarks, thanking the GH community for their support, everyone who attended, and FTI Consulting for their dedicated work over the past 3 years. Neil McClements stated: 'Today, here is the evidence: screening saves lives, screening saves money. The case for screening is strongest for people in their forties...but there are also net benefits for screening people in their thirties and fifties.' Main Takeaways of the report: Screening saves lives, saves money For every £1 spent on screening, over £3 of benefit is generated (*) The case for screening is strongest for people in their 40s - both men and women (#) Screening people in FTI Consulting's base case(^) would: Save the NHS £91 million in care costs Improve Quality of Life by £54 million Help others by securing £53 million of donated blood products Read the full report Thank you to everyone who attended to support us, and who delivered speeches. Thank you to FTI Consulting LLP for your fantastic work on this report. This was a brilliant day of collaboration and community, and one which hopefully marks the beginning of improved screening for GH in Northern Ireland. The event included the opportunity for people affected by Genetic Haemochromatosis to interact with elected representatives and tell something of their story and to meet members of the HUK Team. We appreciate the support ot the National Lottery Community Fund in Northern Ireland for contributing to this work. Manage Cookie Preferences