Quebec Ministre of Health to launch Universal New Born Hearing Screening Program

Montreal – May 19, 2009: The Quebec Coalition for Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) profoundly thanks Dr. Yves Bolduc, the Quebec Minister of Health and Social Services who announced this weekend that the Government of Quebec will launch a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program.

“We were thrilled to hear the news,” says Mr. Claudio Bussandri, Chair and Dr. Hema Patel, Co-Chair of the Coalition and pediatrician at The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC. “On behalf of the Coalition, we want to publicly thank Dr. Bolduc for announcing that his government will establish a universal newborn hearing screening program. This cost-effective program will have a profound impact for babies with hearing loss. It will literally change their lives. A universal program means that all Quebec newborns will soon benefit from hearing screening.”

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect affecting 1 to 3 of every 1000 newborns. Newborn hearing screening is essential. It is a simple, inexpensive test that is able to detect hearing problems in newborns. This allows these children to be treated early enabling them to reach their full potential.

The timing of the announcement could not be better as May is speech and hearing month.

For more information please call:
Lisa Dutton
Manager Public Relations and Communications
The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC
514-412-4307
[email protected] [1]