§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will provide guidance to health service providers carrying out universal neo-natal hearing screening about the need to inform other statutory authorities about the detection of deafness. [1344]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 2 July 2001]: A pilot scheme to evaluate the practicalities of introducing universal neo-natal hearing screening is currently under way in 20 health authorities in England. It includes active participation of all key stakeholders including other statutory authorities. One of the aspects that the pilot scheme will examine is how to develop and recognise the role of education and social services authorities in the delivery of services for deaf and hard of hearing babies. The pilot evaluation will also inform protocols and good practice for national implementation.