National newborn hearing screening to be rolled out

THE first phase of a national newborn hearing screening programme will commence in Cork after Easter, with the full roll-out expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The move, following a major review of audiology services, has been welcomed by the state’s largest lobby group for deaf people.

The review, published by the Health Service Executive, outlines the results of years of shocking neglect of the country’s audiology services.