Registered Charity 1183086
On 22nd July 2024, Harry’s HAT sent an open letter to the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, calling for an urgent review of infant head circumference measurement guidelines in the UK.
The letter was also shared with members of the Department of Health and Social Care and was signed by 23 paediatric neurosurgeons representing every paediatric neurosurgical centre in the UK.
The campaign reached an important milestone on 6th November 2024, when the charity met with Wes Streeting MP and Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP to discuss the need for improved monitoring of babies’ head growth.
Following the meeting, Mr Streeting agreed to seek advice on commissioning a clinical review of infant head circumference measurement in England.
This marked a major milestone for the Get-A-Head campaign, paving the way for our ongoing work with the UK National Screening Committee, which is now reviewing the evidence surrounding current infant head measurement guidance. This review has the potential to influence future policy and improve the early identification of hydrocephalus and other serious brain conditions, helping more babies receive the treatment they need, sooner.
The open letter is supported by our public petition, which has attracted more than 25,000 signatures, demonstrating widespread support for improving infant brain health monitoring across the UK.
