Newborn examination: setting standards for consistency

After a baby is born an initial physical examination is carried out. Parents are then offered a more detailed physical examination to detect conditions that may need early treatment. There is variability in the way the newborn and infant physical examination operates around the country and little information collected on how well it operates. The recent launch of the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination; Standards and Competencies will bring consistency in timeliness to this check. It is important health professionals are cognisant of these standards.