Adult direct access audiology

Thank you to everyone who attended the Healthcare Services Suppliers’ Conference held on Tuesday 16 March 2010 at The SmartLife Centre, Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Drive, Cambridge, CB4 2QT. The purpose of this day was to test the market and see if we have a suitable number of interested parties should we wish to take Direct Access Audiology services forward for NHS Cambridgeshire. Presentation from this day attached below.

Introduction

NHS Cambridgeshire (PCT) aims to improve access to routine hearing assessment and hearing aid fitting services across the county for people aged 50 years and over who are experiencing age-related hearing difficulties (presbycusis), and to ensure consistent quality regardless of where in the county people live.

In April 2009 a review of direct access audiology services across Cambridgeshire found six separate providers were delivering services on five acute and three community hospital sites. Over 70% of the total NHS Cambridgeshire service was provided on acute hospital sites. Although the service in some areas was excellent, in others it failed to achieve national standards, particularly the Department of Health (DH) 18 week Waiting Time target for referral to treatment.

This attached document summarises the key requirements for an NHS Cambridgeshire countywide adult direct access audiology service. Continuous improvement should be built into service delivery and the PCT is looking for innovative models of service delivery that offer value for money. Although it is planned to award a single contract, collaborations and partnership arrangements will be encouraged.

For more information, please contact Rachel Harrison, Head of Contracts & Performance at rachel.harrison@cambridgeshire.nhs.uk