14 April 2022

NCHA member update - 14 April

This week:

• MIT says drug could help reverse hearing loss
• NHS develops world-first bedside genetic test to save babies' hearing
• HCPC myth-busting guide on CPD
• HCPC - using social media wisely
• Government backs latest stage of British Sign Language Bill
• Pocketbook of primary healthcare for children and adolescents
• CODA wins best picture Oscar
• Opening hours bank holiday weekend

MIT says drug could help reverse hearing loss

The world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a spinout company conducting clinical trials for a drug it hopes will help reverse hearing loss.
 
The drug is a new form of 'regenerative therapy' and uses molecules "to program progenitor cells, a descendant of stem cells in the inner ear, to create the tiny hair cells that allow us to hear".
 
Read the full article.

NHS develops world-first bedside genetic test to save babies' hearing

The NHS has developed a 25-minute bedside gene testing machine that identifies whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care could suffer permanent hearing loss if treated with a standard emergency antibiotic.

The new test is expected to replace a test that takes several days. It is hoped this new technology could save the hearing of 180 babies in England every year.

Minister for Innovation, Lord Kamall, said: "Genomics is changing the future of healthcare - from detecting new variants of Covid to enabling more targeted treatment of illness.

"This innovative new test has the potential to prevent life-altering and preventable side effects for babies and keep the NHS ahead of the curve in delivering state of the art care.

"The UK continues to lead the way in genomics expertise and is paving the way for earlier diagnosis of conditions in children and faster access to the right treatment."

HCPC myth-busting guide on CPD

The HCPC has published this myth buster on the CPD process. The HCPC says: "People tend to focus on formal courses, but CPD is any activity from which you learn and develop - not just course attendance. The more variety you have, the better, as we're looking for evidence of a range of activities." The NCHA team recommends that all HCPC registrants take time to read this short guide on CPD.

HCPC - using social media wisely

The HCPC has published a short blog on using social media wisely. It discusses the benefits of social media and how to avoid potential problems as an HCPC registrant.

Government backs latest stage of British Sign Language Bill

The government has backed making British Sign Language (BSL) a recognised language in Great Britain. The British Sign Language Bill has reached the third reading stage in the House of Lords.
 
The DWP has also welcomed the Bill. Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said: "We know many D/deaf people can experience social isolation and face reduced access to work and education because of barriers in communicating their basic needs and aspirations. Legally recognising BSL will create a more inclusive and accessible society, improving the lives of D/deaf people and helping public services to get it right."
 
Rosie Cooper MP said: "This Bill is all about improving the lives of deaf people and the Minister and I have worked together in strengthening it and achieving cross-party approval."

Pocketbook of primary healthcare for children and adolescents

The World Health Organization has published a new guide to help primary care providers manage common conditions in children and adolescents, including hearing health problems.

CODA wins best picture Oscar

The family drama CODA won the best picture Oscar. The drama tells the story of a girl living with her deaf family.

Opening hours bank holiday weekend

The NCHA office will be closed over the bank holiday weekend and reopens at 9am on Tuesday, 19 April. Members can still access out-of-hours support on Friday and Monday by emailing [email protected].