National FASD has released a new report on 9/9/2024, international FASD awareness day. Not Commissioned: Systemic confusion in NHS services for alcohol, pregnancy and FASD is a biennial progress report on NICE Quality Standard 204 based on Freedom of Information requests.
The report shows that the majority of NHS Integrated Care Boards and NHS Trusts are missing a golden opportunity to protect baby’s brains and futures with their slow, non-strategic and uncoordinated responses to the 2022 NICE Quality Standard 204 on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
NICE QS 204 is in effect in England and Wales and calls for improvements in care regarding discussions about risks of alcohol in pregnancy during antenatal visits and recognition, diagnosis and support of those with FASD.
While there are pockets of hope and encouraging progress, which are highlighted in depth in the report so other areas can gain insight from best practice, more broadly there is systemic confusion and a lack of coordination and commissioning across the NHS. The report features case studies to demonstrate the importance of NICE QS 204 and includes a call to action from National FASD.
Watch the video of our 16 September 2024 event that involved 90 people from a wide range of groups and NHS organisations to learn more about the report and the NICE Quality Standard 204. Speakers included: Sandra Butcher, Chief Executive, The National Organisation for FASD; Dr Inyang Takon, Consultant Paediatrician and SPIN Lead (Child Mental Health- RCPCH), Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and National FASD Experts Committee; Róisín Reynolds, Strategic Lead – Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester and National FASD trustee; Clare Devanney-Glynn – Parent, Spotlight on FASD podcast and brief comments from Prof Raja Mukherjee MBE and Mandy Craig, Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership.
The media pack includes the media release, a report summary, information about FASD and key quotes.
The full report is available for download. It includes links to the actual responses received to the Freedom of Information requests.
This is an easy access summary of key findings of the report.
This summary provides key findings and National FASD’s call for action.
Selected social media assets available for sharing.
If this report raises concerns for you that you might like to take up with your NHS integrated care board (England) or health board (Wales), some information on how to do that is available.
If you have found this report useful it would help us immensely if you migh consider a small donation toward the costs of producing it.
The National Organisation for FASD, The Priory, High Street
Ware, Hertfordshire. SG12 9AL
England
Helpline: 0208 458 5951