HSE funding sought for newborn hearing screening scheme

FUNDING is being sought from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to introduce a new hearing screening scheme for newborns, which experts claim will save millions of euro in health spending in the long term.

A Department of Health-commissioned report on universal neo-natal hearing recommended last year that screening processes in this country be improved but money has not been forthcoming. At present, a ‘distraction’ test is used to test hearing before a child is 12 months old. However, experts say the newer screening programme is much “more effective” as earlier intervention can help prevent long-term disruption to normal language, literacy and communication development.

Children, Youth and Families Directorate spokeswoman with the HSE Caroline Cullen said they are awaiting a response to their funding application to the central HSE offices.

The value of early screening was highlighted by Minister for Children Brian Lenihan at a forum on improving services for children in Dublin yesterday.

The forum also publicised a new audit booklet which is now available to health and social service professionals and shows them how to make services more adolescent-friendly. The Adolescent-Friendly Quality Assessment Tools were drawn up by the Programme of Action for Children (PAC) following consultation with young people.