Hearing care services to be reformed across Wales
The Future Approach for Audiology Services will aim to move various hearing services from hospitals into local communities
The Welsh Government says they're moving various hearing services from hospitals into local communities as part of The Future Approach for Audiology Services.
Building on examples in North Wales and Swansea Bay University Health Board areas, this change seeks to ease pressure on hospital ENT departments, GP surgeries, and community nursing resources.
The scheme aims to allow older people to have access to hearing care and earwax removal services closer to their homes
The reform will include upskilling community-based clinicians and marks audiology as the final part of primary care services to undergo such transformation.
Health Secretary Jeremy Miles says:
"Extending many audiology appointments from hospitals to local services will improve access and efficiency.
"I’m delighted to see this happening already in Swansea and to see how many people are having an easier and faster experience accessing the services they need on their doorstep.”
A patient from Morriston, who received his hearing assessment, hearing aid advice and regular removal of a wax build up in the Clydach Primary Care Audiology service said:
“I’m so grateful I have been able to receive this service locally, rather than having to travel to Singleton Hospital.
"It has been key for me to be able to manage normal living"
“The face-to-face service with the audiologists at Clydach has been excellent, the booking process is always so straightforward and the access to services is flexible to suit my needs.”
The Welsh Government says research shows timely hearing interventions can help prevent other serious health issues amongst older people such as dementia and falls.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s mobile audiology unit:
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s mobile audiology unit is being used as an example of extending the reach of audiology services in local communities.
The fully-equipped vehicle travels to 23 locations, including libraries, GP surgeries and supermarkets, bringing hearing tests, hearing aid repairs, tinnitus counselling and cochlear implant support to communities across North Wales.
Jane Wild, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Head of Adult Audiology Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said:
“The van has been out and about for nearly twelve months, delivering high quality specialist audiology services closer to people’s homes and within local communities.
“Patients are telling us that they really value the service being provided and that it is making it easier for them to access NHS audiology care.”
All seven health boards will develop plans to implement the new audiology service models over the next three years.