Media release, improvements to the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme (UNHSEIP)
Sun, 11 May 2014
Dear all
Associate Minister Jo Goodhew will today send out a media release about improvements to the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme (UNHSEIP) and the publication of related reports.
The National Screening Unit and District Health Boards' Progress on Implementing the 21 Recommendations for the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme provides an update on implementation of each of the 21 recommendations arising from the quality improvement review undertaken in December 2012.
Also being released is an independent report on the newborn hearing screening regimes and associated devices, which was one of the 21 recommendations. The review recommends:
· changing the current screening test regime to an automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) only programme and
· standardised screening equipment.
The Ministry of Health endorses the recommendations of this review and will be working closely with District Health Boards and UNHSEIP coordinators to plan details of how this and associated changes will be implemented.
A copy of the progress report on implementation of the 21 recommendations, and the independent report Review of Newborn Hearing Screening Regimes and Associated Devices, March 2014, can be found here http://www.nsu.govt.nz/health-professionals/4627.aspx (please note the information will update when the Minister's release is sent out).
Jill Lane, National Health Board National Services Purchasing Director, will provide a supporting statement on the Ministry of Health and NSU websites.
Please contact me or Kathy Bendikson (Kathy_Bendikson@moh.govt.nz) or Moira McLeod (Moira_McLeod@moh.govt.nz) if you wish to discuss any of the above.
Regards
Jane McEntee
Group Manager
National Screening Unit
National Health Board
Ph: (09) 580 9067
Mob: 0274 807 861