A lecture series titled “Oh Be Careful, Little Ears Can You Hear” that will focus on hearing impairment, diagnostics modalities of treatment and speech development will be launched next week.

The series will highlight hearing impairment and language development, and its relationship to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) graduates. It is an initiative of the non-profit parent support organisation Tiny Champs and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA). The initiative was launched this year and seeks to give support to parents and families of infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Pediatrician Dr. Natasha Frett said the Tiny Champs organisation seeks to provide opportunities for access to Medical, Allied Health, Developmental and Educational Specialists who would assist with the management of children, and provide opportunities to access social and financial networks that would lend support. The aim also is to advocate for the recognition, establishment, procurement and maintenance of programmes, equipment and services that contribute to the holistic care of children and providing emotional support to parents and families.

The lectures will be held on September 12, 17 and 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Lobby of the New Peebles Hospital and is a part of the continuing Medical Education initiatives at BVIHSA. 

Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon at Bougainvillea Clinic Dr. R. Kwesi Davis, Speech Pathologist Ms. Sandi Boyce and Ms. Livia Hodge of the Audiology Department at the BVIHSA will speak on hearing impairment and its relationship to speech on September 12. 

“Basics in Sign Language” training will be facilitated by Ms. Coloma McClean and Ms. Natasha Caines of the BVIHSA as well as Dr. Natasha Frett on September 17 and 19. Medical personnel and the public are encouraged to attend these events and learn more about hearing impairments and speech development.

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client centered healthcare across the Territory.