The HSE is carrying out a National Review of Audiology Services. The Review will examine the services currently being provided to Children and Adults nationwide and will inform a national plan for the service.  The overall objective will be to bring forward proposals to develop an integrated standardised service which will result in significant improvement for patients, the services and staff working in the service.

As part of the exercise, the HSE is engaging in a public consultation process.  This process encompasses 2 approaches.  The first approach was a general media public consultation exercise, where submissions to the expert group were invited from members of the public and other interested stakeholders or local advocate groups on the National Review of Audiology Services.  This was advertised in the national press and on the HSE Website, the deadline for submissions was the 31^st December 2009.

The second approach, currently underway, involves the convening of parent/user focus groups in Cork, Galway and Dublin.  If you would like to submit further commentary under this process please e-mail your submission to primarycare@hse.ie or, forward by post to the National Primary Care Office, Merlin Park Regional Hospital Galway by the 19th of March 2010 where the expert group will review and consider all submissions received.  

NATIONAL REVIEW OF AUDIOLOGY SERVICES

Terms of Reference

Background:

The National Director of Primary Community and Continuing Care has requested that a National Review of Audiology Services be carried out.  A key focus of this review will be the integration between PCCC, Acute Services and external agencies involved in the provision of audiology services.  The Review Group will, therefore, be comprised of both Community and Hospital health care providers for adults and children.

Overarching Objective:

Ø        To assess the needs of the population for audiology services

Ø        To audit current provision to assess the extent to which it is both adequate and consistent

Ø        To make recommendations to address inadequacies and inconsistencies, with an implementation 'road map'

Methodology:

The Review will examine the services currently being provided to Children and Adults nationwide and will inform a national plan for the service.  The needs assessment will involve a review of the Audiology service to include the following:

Ø       Determine best practice with regard to assessment, referral and treatment.

Ø       Develop integrated care pathways to ensure integrated care.

Ø       Chart a "roadmap" to improve access and equity including integration across community and acute services.

Ø       Recommend standards of clinical governance and accountability

Ø       Assess current training systems

Ø       Consider future service requirements with an emphasis on scope of practice and workforce planning

Ø       Make recommendations on service development proposals in line with resources available and required

Ø       Take account of any learning from the review in the HSE south to inform that national needs assessment.

ENDS.