MP David Duguid receives assurances from UK Government that DiGeorge Syndrome won’t be overlooked by proposed Down Syndrome Bill
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Banff And Buchan MP David Duguid has received assurances from the UK Government that other genetic and chromosomal disorders such as DiGeorge Syndrome won’t be overshadowed by the proposed Down Syndrome Bill.
The Conservative MP welcomed the bill, which aims to improve the lives of those living with Down syndrome and has been described as a “world-first”.
Mr Duguid has campaigned to raise awareness of 22q (known as DiGeorge Syndrome) and has met local families impacted by the condition, which is present from birth and can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties.
He urged the UK Minister for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan MP, to give assurances that the Down Syndrome Bill wouldn’t have the “unintended consequence” of prioritising the condition over other disorders such as 22q which weren’t as well known.
In her response, she said people suffering from conditions like DiGeorge won’t be forgotten about.
She said: “The government is committed to considering the overlaps and linkages of the experience of people with Down Syndrome and people with other genetic conditions such as DiGeorge Syndrome in the development of the guidance.
“The national call for evidence will ensure that the guidance also benefits people with other genetic conditions too.”
Mr Duguid said: “I’m happy I’ve received these assurances from the minister which will help ease any concerns north-east families affected by other disorders may have.
“Conditions like 22q may not be as well-known as Down Syndrome but are no less impactful for families dealing with the disorder.
“There are some reports that 22q may actually be more prevalent than Down Syndrome due to difficulties in identifying the condition at birth.
“This is why I have supported affected families and charities like Max Appeal in their campaign to get 22q added to standard blood-screening tests for newborns.”
