Over two decades, the team of 14 screeners has provided families with early detection of hearing loss, enabling them to access the intervention and support they need.
One of the service’s longest-serving team members, Senior Newborn Hearing Screener Claire Francis, has worked in the team since it started. Reflecting on her 20-year journey, Claire shares: “The role has been such a privilege. Every day brings new challenges, but knowing I’m helping families at such an important time in their lives makes it incredibly rewarding.”
Newborn hearing screening is a quick, non-invasive test that helps identify hearing loss early. A soft-tipped earpiece is placed in the baby’s ear, and gentle clicking sounds are played. If the ear responds to the sound, the equipment detects this and records the results. Early detection enables babies and their families to access appropriate support from the paediatric audiology team, ensuring the best possible start in life.
The service is one of the busiest in the country, with screening taking place on the postnatal wards, neonatal units, and in clinics at St James’s Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary. The team also screen some babies who may not have been born in Leeds but are receiving care at Leeds Children’s Hospital which is a regional centre for specialist services including cardiac surgery.
Each day starts with careful planning. “We begin by checking birth notifications and updating our systems to identify babies eligible for screening that day,” says Claire. “We also run quality assurance tests on the equipment to ensure it’s calibrated and ready to use. From there, we visit the wards, neonatal units, or clinics to carry out the screenings.”
As well as technical knowledge, the role also requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Claire describes the importance of explaining the screening process to new parents: “It’s essential to give them some reassurance while checking they understand the procedure and what the results mean. For example, if we don’t get a clear response, I talk them through the next steps and what further tests might involve.”
The service has evolved significantly since 2004, with advances in technology and procedures. “When we started, the equipment was bigger and not as mobile,” Claire recalls. “Now we have handheld devices that make screening more efficient, especially in busy wards.”
There are challenges, including working around background noise on the busy postnatal wards or unsettled babies, but the team pride themselves on their flexibility. “Every day is different, and that’s part of what I love about this role,” Claire says.
Beyond conducting screenings, screeners like Claire manage administrative tasks, from data input to arranging follow-up appointments for babies who missed their hospital screenings. “It’s a varied role that requires good organisation and teamwork, but also the initiative to manage your own workload,” she adds.
Sandra Breakwell, Newborn Hearing Screening Local Programme Manager, who manages the team, praised their work: “Everyone in the Newborn Hearing Screening team is really proud to mark 20 years of service to families in Leeds. The expertise and compassion of our screeners ensure that every baby gets the best possible start in life. I’d like to thank them for their hard work and commitment to continually improving the service.”
As the programme celebrates its 20th anniversary, Claire reflects: “It’s been an amazing journey, and I truly love my job. Here’s to the next 20 years of helping families and making a difference!”