AQW 26186/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail the areas in which the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on screening are currently not being met.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 28 April 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
28 April 2025
Answer due by
14 May 2025
Answered
13 May 202515 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific committee, makes recommendations to the four nations in relation to screening matters. The UK NSC routinely reviews the evidence available for population and targeted screening programmes.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) publishes evidence-based recommendations for the health and social care sector, developed by independent committees, including professionals and lay members, and consulted on by stakeholders.

The Northern Ireland Screening Committee (NISC) considers the UK NSC recommendations but does not consider National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. I am not aware of any NICE guidelines that are currently not being met in relation to the screening programmes.

Official sources