15 January 2021

Member update – 15 Jan

This week

• Updated audiology and otology guidance during Covid-19
• Vaccination update
• Update: Business interruption insurance
• BSL guidance on shielding 
• RCCP proposal to transfer registrants
• Health regulators issue joint statement on Covid-19
• Other sector news

Updated audiology and otology guidance during Covid-19

AIHHP, BAA, BSA and BSHAA have published an update to their audiology and otology guidance during Covid-19.

BSHAA said: “A few amendments have been made for January 2021”. It said providers should continue to operate within stage D of its guidance (which you can read on page 33).

Vaccination update

Following our detailed update last week, please note that England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales now all have more detailed information about how they plan to rollout Covid-10 vaccinations in the four nations. At this stage, you may choose to review vaccination plans based on where you live and work.

• England
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

We understand that Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are planning online booking systems. We will update members once more information is available.  

Update: Business interruption insurance

The BBC reported today that a Supreme Court judgment means tens of thousands of small businesses will receive insurance payouts covering losses from the first national lockdown.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said: “370,000 policyholders were identified as holding 700 types of policies issued by 60 insurers that may be affected by the outcome of the test case.” The FCA now plans to publish a set of FAQs and a list of business interruption (BI) policies alongside guidance for policyholders that might be affected by today’s decision. 

Learn more on the FCA website. You might also want to talk to your insurance company or broker if you have questions about your BI policy.

BSL guidance on shielding 

This week, the government finally added British Sign Language and audio versions to England’s guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from Covid-19. Patient groups like the RNID and RNIB have been calling on the government to do this for many months.   

RCCP proposal to transfer registrants

The Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) is considering transferring its register and activities to the Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS). Read more about the proposal, which the RCCP is consulting on. To take part, complete this survey by 22 January.

Health regulators issue joint statement on Covid-19

The HCPC has joined other regulators to issue a statement recognising the challenging circumstances caused by Coronavirus. The statement thanks all registrants for their work throughout the pandemic and again sets out how regulators will approach concerns raised at this time. The PSA supports the approach. 

Other sector news

Look ahead to World Hearing Day on 3 March 2021, when WHO plans to publish its World Report on Hearing.

Read the BIHIMA interview its members about the potential of bone-anchored hearing technology.

Learn more about a new Healthcare Science T-Level.

Catch up on rethinking the standard approach to audiometric testing.

European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) has appointed Eric Bernard as its new CEO. Read more.