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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Annette Brooke MP applauds national charity dedicated to cardiac death in the young
October 26, 2009 10:22 AM
Annette Brooke at the event by Cardiac Risk in the Young
Annette Brooke MP has pledged her support to the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) - and its ongoing work to improve access to cardiac screening for young people - with the launch of a pioneering new clinic to be based at a leading London hospital
CRY has also announced the first initiative in the UK to screen 14 year olds born in 1995 (the year that CRY was founded) across the South East of England.
Annette Brooke MP attended a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons, along with the charity's new Patron, Phil Packer - who himself made headlines earlier this year by completing the London Marathon and climbing El Capitan, despite having been left paralysed whilst serving in Basra, just 12 months previously
The new multi-disciplinary centre - spearheaded by the charity's consultant cardiologist, Dr Sanjay Sharma - will provide a 'one stop shop' for young people and 'affected families' who wish to be screened for potentially life-threatening cardiac problems.
CRY estimates (based on official statistics from the ONS) that at least 12 young 'apparently fit' people die suddenly in the UK every week from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.
Over the next two years, the new programme - which has been made possible thanks to a charitable grant from ICAP, the interdealer company - will help to pave the way for a national programme in the future. The focus, of offering 14 year olds the chance of non-invasive screening (using an ECG machine) at no cost, is because post-puberty is the earliest proactive screening is viable. It is also at an age when young people are starting to make decisions about their future - and before they are forced to make sacrifices about their dreams or their sporting aspirations.
Experts at the Centre will be able to support teenagers in the journey from screening through to possible diagnosis and treatment and, where necessary, counselling and support. Specialist researchers will also be based in the new Centre working on the genetics of hereditary cardiac defects, helping families understand their 'heart history'.
Ms Brooke, says; "I am keen to lend my support to this charity that campaigns tirelessly to promote the importance of screening in young people - especially those who enjoy playing sport at school or at their local club. It's wonderful to learn that screening is now becoming more accessible to young people right across the UK and I would urge parents, teachers and budding young athletes in my constituency to log onto CRY's website to find out about the screening programme for teenagers and young adults."
Screening saves lives - and parents, young people, teachers or sports clubs can access CRY's specialist service by logging onto www.c-r-y.org.uk. Subsidised screening costs £35 per person but will be free of charge for all children born in 1995, commencing early 2010. Please call 01737 363 222 for more details.
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