Faster, more convenient hearing care will be available closer to
people's home, as part of a radical reform of audiology services.
The Future Approach for
Audiology Services will move a range of hearing services
from hospitals into local communities, building on successful
models already delivering results across North Wales and in the
Swansea Bay University Health Board area.
The transformation will reduce pressure on hospital ENT
departments, GP surgeries and community nursing services,
ensuring older people can access specialist hearing care closer
to home alongside earwax removal services.
Audiology services are the last part of primary care services to
undergo such reform, which includes upskilling community-based
clinicians.
Health Secretary visited the Cwmtawe
Medical Group Primary Care Centre in Swansea to see the new
approach in action.
The centre provides people with direct access to specialist care
in their community, reducing unnecessary hospital referrals and
waiting times.
said:
“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.”
Addressing hearing loss early has significant health benefits
beyond improved hearing.
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 award-winning mobile
audiology unit is another innovative development, which extends
the reach of high-quality 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.”
The Future Approach for
Audiology Services aligns with the Welsh Government's
commitment to deliver healthcare closer to home and reducing
hospital waiting lists. All seven health boards will develop
plans to implement the new audiology service models over the next
three years.
Notes to editors
Links to the Future Approach for
Audiology Services strategy will be live at midday
on Thursday 11 December.
