Charities urge action to improve children’s audiology services

A coalition of charities has sent an open letter to the Scottish Government urging action to address the ‘painfully slow’ progress seen regarding improvements to Scotland’s audiology services.  

25 August marked two years since the publication of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland (IRASS), which outlined the systemic problems facing Scottish audiology; the letter to Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto MSP, outlines the coalition’s displeasure at the perceived lack of progress made since the IRASS was published, particularly surrounding treatment waiting times. 

The letter particularly laments Deaf children waiting up to 600 days for treatment, and adults reporting waits of up to 18 months between audiology referral and initial assessment. The coalition warns of the dangers these delays can cause, including interrupted education, delayed ability to develop language skills, and forced early retirement.  

To combat this lack of progress, the coalition outlines three areas where urgent action is needed:  

1. Evidence of independent safety checks: Services must be held to high standards, with independent experts involved in reviewing staff competency and service performance. 
2. Clear accountability for workforce planning: The Scottish Government must ensure a sustainable pipeline for Scotland’s audiology workforce. This should include the reinstatement of an undergraduate university course to train new audiologists. 
3. Transparent reporting: Routine and transparent reporting of audiology referral to treatment waiting times for Health Boards must be introduced, alongside clear targets for improvement.

The letter – signed by representatives from the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, and the British Academy of Audiology – concludes: 

“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Scottish Government to achieve this. Without more ambitious and decisive action from the Scottish Government, however, we fear that the current system will continue to fall short. When every moment counts, it is time for action – not words.”