A nationwide newborn screening programme has begun at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with health officials aiming to detect serious conditions at birth and improve long-term outcomes for thousands of children.

The screening, which began on May 18, is being offered to all babies born at the QEH through a simple heel-prick blood test administered within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.

Supported by a grant from the Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence and backed by hospital leadership, the initiative is expected to screen approximately 5 000 newborns during its initial pilot phase.