Families of SADS victims urged to preserve medical records before HSE destroy files
Family members of young people who have died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome are being urged to contact the HSE to preserve their loved ones' medical records.
The Health Service Executive is set to destroy over one million cards containing data from newborn heel-prick blood tests dating from 1984 to 2002.
European data protection laws require the cards be destroyed or returned to their owners.
The Irish Heart Foundation is urging the public - particularly those affected by SADS - to contact the HSE to retain their cards before the deadline of Easter Sunday.
Medical experts say the cards contain invaluable genetic information that could save the lives of extended family members of more than 1,000 victims of sudden cardiac death.
