Steve Brine attended the Anaemia Manifesto event in Westminster on Wednesday 18th October, where he was tested for anaemia, a 'hidden condition' which affects around 4 million in the UK and is a leading cause of disability.
While anaemia is highly treatable, the number of patients admitted to hospital with iron deficiency anaemia has increased by 46% since 2011. This particularly affects the frail and elderly, who commonly suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, as well as vulnerable patients who suffer from other conditions affecting their gut, heart, or kidneys.
Steve, who is the Public Health Minister, met with patients and clinicians to discuss how we can improve the lives of people suffering from anaemia. Despite its prevalence, anaemia often goes undetected due to the commonness of its symptoms which include paleness, fatigue, hair loss and shortness of breath.
The event was hosted by the Anaemia Manifesto Steering Committee (AMSC) after Chair Michael Sobanja met with Steve at his Winchester surgery. The AMSC works with the NHS, patients, health care practitioners and policy makers to make diagnosis of anaemia more straightforward.
Steve Brine said: "I am delighted today to be supporting this initiative, which I know affected many people in Winchester & Chandler's Ford.
"Diagnosis for anaemia and iron deficiency remain disproportionately low, and I encourage any concerned constituents to consult their GP about the matter as soon as possible."
The test was administered by Entia, a British startup backed by Innovate UK, which has designed a straightforward and reusable finger-prick diagnostic kit which can instantly detect anaemia.
Pictured; Steve Brine MP signing Anaemia Manifesto
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