TESTING OF NEWBORN BABIES FOR DEAFNESS

Early day motion 95, tabled 9 July 2001 by Piara S Khabra (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House notes the recent MORI findings showing overwhelming public demand for testing newborn babies for deafness; notes with concern that out of the 840 children born deaf in the UK every year, the current health visitor distraction test will miss 400 by 18 months of age and 200 by 42 months of age, with serious implications for a child's language and educational development and long term life chances; understands that, despite the existence of the necessary technology, the cost-effectiveness of neo-natal testing and the desire of over 85 per cent. of parents across the UK to know within days of its birth whether their child is deaf, at present most babies are not diagnosed until after their first birthday; welcomes Her Majesty's Government's decision to introduce neonatal hearing screening to 20 NHS sites in England; further welcomes Her Majesty's Government's recent announcement that the scheme will be rolled out nationally across the NHS; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to confirm without delay a timetable for roll-out to enable NHS commissioners and providers to plan with confidence and help ensure a joined-up approach to the development of screening procedures, paediatric audiology services and the ongoing information and support services provided to families of deaf babies by local education authorities.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.