You can still get NHS support over the Easter Bank Holiday: 29 March - 1 April

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If it's not a life-threatening emergency get the help you need via:
  • 111.nhs.uk who can support you at home or direct you to the best service for you
  • The pharmacy is open and can help with minor illnesses and offer clincial advice on conditions like earache, UTI's, sore throats and insect bites
  • For metal health support, please contact 0800 448 0828
  • Corby Urgent Care Centre can treat lacerations, cuts, sprains, strains, minor burns and wounds
  • For dental emergencies please contact 111.nhs.uk
For life threatening emergencies call 999

Newborn Hearing Screening Service

The Newborn Hearing Screening Service has been running here at Kettering General Hospital since 2005.  There are over 4,000 babies born here at Kettering every year.  All babies, throughout the UK, will be offered the Newborn Hearing Screen.  A hearing screener will visit mum at the bedside on the day they are due to leave the hospital to give information about the screen.  If mums discharge from hospital without the hearing screen complete then a hearing screener will contact you by telephone to offer and arrange an outpatient appointment.
 

Location

The Newborn Hearing Screening office is located on the first floor of the Maternity unit in Rockingham Wing, Kettering General Hospital.  

The Newborn Hearing Screening team comprises of one Local Co-ordinator and six Newborn Hearing Screeners.  The screening service is available during the week from 8.00am until 5.00pm and at weekends 8.00am until 3:30pm.
 

Outpatient Clinic Days and Times

Corby Diagnostic Centre
Held the first Thursday of the month – 9.00am – 1.00pm.

Rectory Road Clinic, Rushden, NN10 0AE
Held the second Tuesday of the month – 9.00am – 1.00pm.

Isebrook Hospital, Wellingborough
Held every third Thursday (morning clinic) 9.00am – 1.00pm.  Also the first Wednesday in the month (afternoon clinic) 1.00pm until 4:10pm

Kettering General Hospital, Rockingham Wing, Scan Department
Every Wednesday afternoon 1.00pm – 3.00pm and Friday mornings from 9.00am until 11.00am.

Newborn Hearing Screening - FAQs

Why should my baby have a hearing screen?

There are 1 to 2 babies in every 1,000 born with a permanent childhood hearing loss in one or both ears.  Most of these babies are born into families with no history of hearing loss.  Permanent hearing loss can significantly affect a baby’s development and finding out early can give babies a better chance of developing speech and language skills.  It will help babies make the most of relationships with their family and carers from an early age.

Will the screen hurt my baby?

No, the baby needs to be settled or preferably asleep for the hearing screen.  An ear piece is fitted into the baby’s ear and a soft clicking sound played.  The baby will sleep during the screen which takes a few minutes.  Mum is with baby at all times when the screen is being done.

The screen resulted in a ‘No Clear Response’ – what happens next?

The screener will explain the results and why there is a no clear response.  An audiology appointment for a hearing test will be arranged with parents to attend for further testing.  This does not mean the baby has a hearing loss but it is important to attend the appointment in case there are any concerns with baby’s hearing.

There is no family history of hearing loss close to my baby do I still need to have my baby screened?

Yes, it is important to screen all babies.  Most babies born with a hearing loss are born into families with no history of hearing loss.

When will the hearing screen be carried out?

The hearing screen is completed in hospital wherever possible; however, if the screen is not complete before discharge home mums will be offered an outpatient appointment at clinic to return.


For further information please see below:-