AQW 6337/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health what actions he has taken on improving checks for haemochromatosis.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 13 February 2024
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 13 February 2024
- Answer due by
- 28 February 2024
- Answered
- 27 February 202414 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The process for haemochromatosis patients to donate blood has been improved. Since July 2023, suitable patients deemed medically fit by their referring physicians can proceed directly into the donation process.
The standard practice of treatment for most healthy individuals involves fortnightly removal of a unit of blood until the target ferritin level is achieved. This process may take over a year, at which time the patient transitions into a maintenance phase every three to four months, depending on blood results and tolerability.