SNP make heart screen vow after death of Phil O'Donnell

Apr 20 2008

First Minister Eyes Westminster Power Grab

AMATEUR athletes will be offered heart screening for the condition that claimed the life of footballer Phil O'Donnell.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the plan at the SNP conference in Edinburgh.

She told delegates a £100,000-a-year pilot programme would be mounted by the Scottish Government working with the Scottish Football Association.

Motherwell skipper Phil, 35, died after collapsing on the pitch during a match last December.

Sturgeon said sudden cardiac death was rare but still claimed too many lives with young men 10 times more vulnerable than women. While professional athletes could screening tests, they had not been available for amateurs.

She told the conference: "The pilot will involve Scottish Government investment in the sports medicine centre at Hampden Stadium to create the extra capacity needed to offer this screening service to over 16s who are active in amateur sports."

It will see athletes detailing any family heart conditions then having an ECG test and ultrasound to detect any problems.

Sturgeon paid tribute to SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and medical officer Professor Stuart Hillis for their "commitment".