Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State of Health, what steps the Department is taking to promote awareness and improve the rate of diagnosis of anaemia.

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most prevalent type of anaemia and is also the most common deficiency in the world, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide. NHS Choices provides advice on the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, such as fatigue, palpitations, pale complexion and advises anyone experiencing those symptoms speak to their general practitioner (GP). NHS Choices also provides advice on the less common types of anaemia related to levels of vitamin B12 or folate.

It is the responsibility of GPs, using their clinical judgement and supported by relevant guidance, to arrange the appropriate tests and investigations that may lead to a diagnosis. The full blood count, one the most commonly used tests in the National Health Service, is a broad screening tool used to provide a picture of patient health and check for indications of disorders such as anaemia, infection, and many other diseases.

A range of guidance on the further testing and treatment of all types anaemia is available from sources including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) website. The CKS information on iron deficiency anaemia can be found at the following link:

https://cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-iron-deficiency