As part of World Heart Rhythm Week 2022, Joe & I were fortunate enough to be invited to the Palace of Westminster by Arrhythmia Alliance to attend their parliamentary event.
The charity event was held at the Palace of Westminster at the scenic Terrace Pavillion overlooking the River Thames. An absolutely stunning venue to attend! The purpose of the event, organised by Arrhythmia Alliance, was to raise awareness for different heart arrhythmia‘s and was attended by patients, carers, cardiologists, and MP’s.
Joe and I used this as a perfect opportunity to network and discuss the topic of infant heart screening and asked why this wasn’t already made available along with other newborn checks. When we questioned this with Nick Linker, Clinical Director for Heart Disease at the NHS, he mentioned it’s a contentious matter and one that divides the medical community as there isn’t an agreement on the benefits of screening. I mean, really?? However, we were told that there is a ’screening committee’ in place which is reviewing this.
We also discussed the matter with MP Barry Sheerman, who was extremely interested in the idea and keen to take the matter forward and address it with other MP’s in the Houses of Commons. What traction it will get I don’t know, but whether its it’s infant screening or childhood screening, it’s something that we’re passionate about to drive forward!
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