Drop in clinic for deaf children

A NEW drop-in clinic to help with children’s hearing aids is being introduced in Warrington following requests from parents.
Parents of deaf children were invited to put their views about services to audiology specialists.
As a result Warrington Community Services Unit responded by creating the new clinic offering personalised services.
The convenient service provides maintenance, new batteries, new ear moulds for growing children and advice on the care of hearing aids.
The idea for the clinic was put forward at a local Children’s Hearing Services Working Group – a forum for parents and hearing services representatives.
One of the members Emma Wright is mother of Thomas, eight, who is profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant.
She said: “Being part of the group has been a great experience which has really opened my eyes. Parents can put their views and thoughts forward and the group really listen to them.
“The new drop in clinic was a parent’s idea – it’s brilliant because parents don’t have to go to Warrington Hospital now, and find parking or pay, especially when they only need batteries.”
The clinic runs every Thursday from 1pm to 4 pm at the Child Development Centre, Sandy Lane, Orford, and no appointments are needed.
Dr Wanda Neary, consultant community paediatrician for Paediatric Audiology, said: “We are really proud of our new service which meets the needs of parents and children.
“Our new drop in centre means it’s now much easier for local parents and children to get help and advice at the brand new Child Development Centre in Orford.”