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Savings Uncovered: Screening Genetic Condition Could Save Northern Ireland Health Service Up To £95 Million

Up to 1 in 10 of the population in Northern Ireland are estimated to be at risk of haemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes increased levels of iron absorption and can lead to long-term ill health if not caught and treated sufficiently early. FTI Consulting was engaged by Haemochromatosis UK to evaluate the economic costs and benefits associated with implementing a population-based screening programme, withing findings indicating that up to £95 million could be saved over 40 years.

Our Impact

Our research found that screening adults in Northern Ireland would result in a net economic benefit under a range of prevalence scenarios, with a net benefit of up to £95 million over 40 years.
With earlier diagnosis and simple treatment similar to blood donation, ill health and treatment costs can be reduced and quality of life improved through screening. Additionally, blood donated by haemochromatosis patients could benefit even more individuals across the wider health system in Northern Ireland, particularly given the shortages in blood donations.
FTI Consulting’s research will support Haemochromatosis UK in its continued engagement with bodies such as the UK National Screening Committee, which is due to reconsider implementing screening for genetic haemochromatosis in the coming years.

Our Role

We prepared a dynamic model to assess the costs and benefits of screening for genetic haemochromatosis in Northern Ireland.
Estimating the number of people who would benefit from earlier diagnosis of their condition through screening, we modelled the costs and benefits over time in comparison to a scenario without screening.
A range of scenarios and sensitivities were considered to understand the key drivers of cost and value over a 40-year period, the prevalence of the condition and the age at which screening was offered. This showed that screening would be most cost effective for people in their 40s.