Baby vests protest over foetal alcohol disorder

Hundreds of vests were hung up on a bridge in Salford

Baby vests have been hung on a bridge by a charity which says the NHS is failing to take enough action to prevent foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The National Organisation for FASD said most health authorities in England and Wales had not commissioned services for those affected by drinking during pregnancy.

Vests were displayed along a bridge at Media City in Salford by the charity which said NHS trusts were "missing a golden opportunity" to help those affected.

The UK and Welsh governments said they were committed to promoting education and preventative measures.

A woman who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can risk life-long problems for her baby in areas such as movement, vision, learning and managing emotions, as well as muscle and organ problems.

Guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) were introduced in 2022, calling for improvements in how FASD is dealt with.

According to a National Organisation for FASD report, in the north west of England NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria and NHS Greater Manchester integrated care boards had not commissioned specific services for FASD.

But the board in Greater Manchester was praised for taking action to try to implement NICE guidelines.

The charity said trusts had not implemented standards set two years ago

A spokesman for the charity said there was "systemic confusion" over who was responsible, but added there were "pockets of hope" where progress was being made.

Chief executive Sandra Butcher said many of those affected "are undiagnosed and not receiving the appropriate support too, with often tragic consequences".

The organisation has called for NHS England and Wales to give clear guidance on NICE guidelines and for boards and trusts to appoint an FASD lead.

It has also called for the UK government to set aside "a very, very small amount" from alcohol duty to go towards a new FASD prevention fund.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said the government was "committed to reducing future FASD cases".

Plans for the NHS would see preventative public health measures prioritised "to support people to live longer, healthier lives, which includes reducing alcohol-related harms", she added.

A Welsh government spokesman said: “All health boards promote the ‘No Alcohol, No Risk’ message to ensure the safety of all babies during pregnancy.

“The findings of the report and the implications for Wales will be carefully considered”