SYNOPSIS
Newborn screening is one of the most successful public health programs in Australia. Every year, Victoria’s newborn screening program prevents serious childhood disability or death in about 80 Victorian children. The program is run on behalf of the Victorian government by Victorian Clinical Genetics Services in the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the program and today’s Grand Round is part of a one day symposium celebrating the history and achievements of the program. A panel of speakers will reflect on what newborn screening has meant for them, how Victoria’s program developed and is currently run and what the future may hold.
SPEAKERS
Professor Kathryn North – Director of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Monique Cooper – President of the Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association and parent of a child with phenylketonuria.

Professor Agnes Bankier – past clinical director of the program and chair of the RCH Human Research Ethics Committee

Dr James Pitt – Victorian Clinical Genetics Services scientist and the laboratory director of the program

Associate Professor Craig White – chaired the Newborn Bloodspot Working Group which developed policy and a decision making framework for newborn bloodspot screening in Australia.