Earlier hip screening for babies

Babies will be checked within three weeks

Babies in Jersey are to be checked for problems with their hips at an earlier age, the island's health service says.

It follows a review of screening policies in the island.

Before the review, the test for such abnormalities, including hip dysplasia, was done between age four to six weeks. It will now be done within three.

Babies thought to be at risk will be screened using Ultrasound scanners. Dysplasia can lead to disability if left undetected.

'Streamlined process'

Dr Mark Jones, a consultant paediatrician at Jersey's General Hospital, said that, as a result of the changes, babies were being referred to orthopaedic clinics in a more streamlined and direct way.

He said: "We've recognised that referrals have been, at times, inconsistent.

"We really wanted to ensure that the process was standardised and streamlined to ensure that all infants that are at risk will indeed be screened."

More than half of England's primary care trusts had no policy in place to screen newborns for hip problems, a charity investigation found.

Research by Steps found 57% had no staff guidance on checks that should be carried out at birth and at six to eight weeks.

Screening is important to spot hip dysplasia, a condition diagnosed in up to 2,000 babies and children each year.