Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Monday, 29 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the (a) information and (b) support provided to the families of deaf children identified through newborn hearing screening.

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the (a) information and (b) support provided to the families of deaf children identified through newborn hearing screening. [201673] Dr. Ladyman: The information provided to the families of deaf children identified by newborn hearing screening was developed in collaboration with the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) and is available in leaflet form, covering assessment, diagnosis, and provision of services, including education and social services. There is also a NDCS helpline. This is supplemented by local services taking advantage of the early support programme as it rolls out across local authorities. It is for local managers to satisfy themselves that the provision of information, services and support to individual families and their children by the National Health Service and local authorities is effective, in line with priorities and is of high quality.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201673; 428 c760-1W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Children Advisory services Babies Diagnosis Hearing impairment Families Testing Hearing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk