Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s HAT), based in Yateley, is collaborating with neurosurgeons for a campaign advocating for improved routine brain screening in babies. The campaign, named 'Get-A-Head', was launched on Friday, August 2 during a garden open day at Lambeth Palace. The charity sees a critical need in reviewing the guidelines for routine head circumference monitoring in infants – a crucial method that could aid in diagnosing severe brain conditions like hydrocephalus, which is a build-up of fluid in the brain, the excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it.
The UK follows a protocol of conducting only two head measurements between birth and the six to eight-week check-up. However, this protocol isn't always adhered to, risking late diagnoses of serious conditions. In contrast, countries like Finland and Norway undertake 10 and 11 routine head measurements respectively in a baby's first year.
Harry's HAT research has showed 80 per cent of new parents are unaware that head measurements could help diagnose hydrocephalus. The charity has since gathered almost 23,000 signatures, requesting a review of existing guidelines. Victoria Glover, whose son was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2021, aged 10-months-old, is a trustee of the charity, and said: "It's an honour to be able to raise awareness for a cause so close to my heart in the prestigious grounds of Lambeth Palace.
This campaign is about preventing babies with potentially life .