Evidence submitted by Jacquie Connolly
(AUDIO 29)
AUDIOLOGY DATA
1. It is unlikely that accurate data is
available as not all Trusts are reporting on the same waiting
times (as confirmed by verbal, unformal enquiry in the local area).
2. Clear clarification is needed as to what
should be reported as a pure tone audiogram (PTA) is not the same
as a hearing aid assessment (although a PTA forms part of the
initial assessment).
AUDIOLOGY SERVICE
PROVISION
3. Diagnostic Audiometry is only a small
part of the service provided by Audiology Departments.
4. Audiology services are, in the majority,
a rehabilitative service providing treatment for, and advising
on, a life long condition (as distinct from other diagnostic services
were the departments responsibility ceases after testing).
CAPACITY AND
THE PRIVATE
SECTOR
5. There is currently a huge capacity gap
between the numbers of patients being referred and the capacity
available.
6. The gap (and the backlog) was being addressed
by previous capacity initiatives such as extra funding for overtime
and the Public Private Partnership (PPP)—with the withdrawal
of the additional funding the gaps soon became apparent.
7. The PPP scheme provided "joined
up" private sector provision .It was most successful when
effectively managed by the NHS department and when IT issues were
resolved. It provided a seamless increase in capacity and increased
patient choice whilst being assured of robust clinical governance
and parity of service.
Jacquie Connolly
February 2007
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