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Independent Review of Audiology Services

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 15th September 2023
Circle graphics with various sensory and accessibility images to represent the Sensory Hub

The Review was asked to examine hearing services and make recommendations on how these could be improved.

The Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland report has now been published. The Review was commissioned by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, after concerns were identified in the standards of care provided by NHS Lothian Paediatric Audiology service.

The overarching aims across the findings and recommendations are:

  • to reduce variation and ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care across Scotland, with clear accountability;
  • to build a sustainable pipeline of talent and ensure that patients are cared for by professionals with the right knowledge and specialist skills, within services with effective, skilled leadership;
  • to ensure a culture of continuous improvement of quality and outcomes of care across the patient journey, with external assurance of patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient experience;
  • to ensure that national structures are in place to provide strategic oversight and assurance of audiology services.

In her Foreword, Prof Jackie Taylor (Review Chair) thanked the people whose views have been central to their discussions, and the Health and Social Care Alliance who facilitated the engagement.

Janis McDonald, Associate Director – Sensory Hub, the ALLIANCE, supports the publication:

“I welcome the Review due to the serious nature of the impact the identified failures have had on a significant number of deaf children and their families.

The Report, identifying the significant nature of the improvements, is to be applauded too.

We now have the hard work of correcting the system and more importantly, seeking remedy for all those people affected. The Scottish Sensory Hub at the ALLIANCE will work with its member organisations to ensure those with lived experience are heard and involved in future.”

Reponses to the Audiology Review from our members and partners include:

Previously, the ALLIANCE presented a full report and summary report of their findings to the Audiology Review Reference Group, which in turn informed their contribution to the National Audiology Review Report and recommendations. A BSL video version is available here.

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