In partnership with Newborn Screening Ontario and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Temiskaming Hospital is one of 19 sites across the province to lead in the launch and initial phase of Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening.
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) refers to conditions where a baby’s heart or blood vessels around the heart have not formed properly. Newborns with congenital heart disease may require surgery or other procedures in the first days to one-year of life to help ensure healthy outcomes for baby.
In February 2017, as part of National Heart Month, Temiskaming Hospital successfully launched Newborn Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening within its Obstetrics /Level 1B Nursery. This emerging standard of care will ensure that screening is completed on all healthy newborns within 24-48 hours of age. The screening is performed at the bedside by a nurse or midwife using a hand-held device that painlessly measures blood oxygen levels which can lead to early detection, care and intervention leading to better outcomes.
The obstetrical team is to be commended for their commitment and work towards the implementation of this innovative best practice at Temiskaming Hospital.
Please click here for more information from Newborn Screening Ontario.