This service screens infants in the first four weeks of life to ensure early detection of mild, moderate, severe and profound permanent childhood hearing impairment.
The majority of babies are screened prior to discharge from the Hospital. If this is not the case, or if babies are born at home, the parents are given an appointment for a community clinic.
In some circumstances, at the discretion of the programme co-ordinator, screening may be undertaken on a home visit
Infants identified with a permanent childhood hearing impairment are referred to hospital based diagnostic services for further investigation.
Children who have a risk factor(s) for permanent childhood hearing impairment, but have had clear responses with screening tests, are identified and referred to the appropriate Audiology services for follow up at eight months of age.
Who can use the service
A screen will be offered to the parents of all babies under three months of age, registered with a GP in Bedfordshire & Luton or not registered with a GP but resident in Bedfordshire and Luton.
A screen is offered to all babies, less than 3 months of age moving into Bedfordshire & Luton who have not been screened elsewhere.
The service is provided from:
Newborn Hearing Screening Programme Community Clinics are held at various locations across Bedfordshire & Luton to facilitate easy access for parents.
The programme operates every day from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm with the exception of Bank Holidays
Referrals to this service can be made by:
- Maternity services
- Health visitors/child health department for eligible infants transferring into the area.
Referral Form Community to NHSP
Contact:
Deborah Cheshire, NHSP Local Co-ordinator, Luton and Bedfordshire
Children’s Specialist Services.
The Poynt
Unit 2-3 Poynters Road
Luton
LU4 0LA
Mobile: 07968 819513, or
L&D NHSP Office number: 01582 718187