Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the response to UIN 121786 on 23 March 2026, when the National Screening Committee will open the public consultation on screening for the conditions associated with sudden cardiac death.

The Government recognises the devastating impact of sudden cardiac death on young people, families, and communities.

In considering whether any screening programme should be introduced, the Government is guided by the independent scientific advice of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC makes its recommendations based on internationally recognised criteria and a rigorous evidence review and consultation process. Where the committee is confident that offering screening provides more good than harm, they recommend a screening programme.

Work is ongoing to complete and analyse the latest review of the evidence commissioned by the UK NSC looking at screening for the conditions associated with sudden cardiac death in young people. It is anticipated that the public consultation will open later this spring, and we would encourage those with an interest to contribute.