News archive - March 2010

19 March 2010
Raising Awareness of Early Diagnosis

To help raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, NIPE has been developing collaborative links with national charity STEPS (which provides support for children and adults affected by lower limb conditions such as clubfoot or hip conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)).  Recent activity includes giving support to the charity’s campaign during Baby Hip Health Week (13th – 19^th March 2010) which focussed on highlighting the:

·        lack of consistency and guidelines regarding referral and treatment plans across Acute Trusts and PCTs (relevant to early and late diagnosis of DDH)

·        lack of awareness of the DDH and treatment options amongst GPs and health visitors

·         impact of late diagnosis

·        absence of any mention of hips in the Birth to Five Book despite the  check at birth and 6-8weeks

·        lack of quality information given out at hospitals regarding care for a child being treated for DDH in a Pavlik harness or Hip Spica.

Professor Adrian Davis, Director of the NIPE Programme, provided a quote to accompany materials issued to the press and media about the campaign.

Commenting on Baby Hip Health Week, and work undertaken by STEPS, Professor Adrian Davis, Director of the NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Programme, said: “It is unacceptable that children are still being diagnosed late with conditions such as DDH, leading to more severe and traumatic treatment and a higher risk of long-term disability.  STEPS plays a key role in raising awareness amongst parents and healthcare professionals and together we must stop this unnecessary distress.”       

The story was picked up in healthcare publications including Independent Nurse and Skills 4 Nurses as well as on bbc.co.uk:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8560792.stm

For more information about STEPS, visit:

http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/