Philip Davies screened for sickle cell and thalassaemia at House of Commons

Local Shipley MP Philip Davies joined the campaign to raise awareness of sickle cell and thalassaemia at the House of Commons this week by taking a blood test to determine whether he is a carrier of these common genetic disorders.

The week long event hosted by the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme provided an opportunity for MPs to find out about plans which will mean that all their constituents have access to screening either before or during pregnancy. The new challenges facing the Programme as it works to develop clinical care networks for those affected by sickle cell and thalassaemia were also highlighted.

Mr Davies commented: "Although Shipley is a relatively low prevalence area, it is important that screening is available to everyone. These disorders are genetic and so can affect anyone. I was delighted to hear about the achievements of the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme is making to ensure that more and more people have access to this screening. Can't say I was a big fan of the needle 'though!"

Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), himself a carrier, also spoke at the event in support of the Programme.