Closer ‘collaboration’ between NSAC and NSS

A closer working relationship between the national screening advisory committee (NSAC) and the National Screening Service (NSS) has been discussed. The NSAC is an independent advisory committee, which advises the Minister for Health on all new proposals for population-based screening programmes and revisions to existing programmes. It was established in 2019.

The February minutes of the NSAC noted it “welcomed the proposal to receive regular updates on the NSS programmes, and the secretariat will liaise with NSS in that regard”.

“The Chair noted the importance of the committee forming a collaborative and ongoing working relationship with the NSS.”

Asked what measures had been taken, a Department of Health spokesperson told the Medical Independent (MI) that the CEO of the NSS, Ms Fiona Murphy, attends NSAC meetings as an independent observer.

“Opportunities for further developing a good working relationship will be identified in the course of the ongoing work of the committee.” The February meeting also noted work on an ethical framework for the NSAC. The Department informed MI that work on the framework is at an early stage.