09 September 2022

NCHA member update - 9 September

This week:

• The sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen
• Covid booster update for primary care audiology
• Government support with cost-of-living crisis
• Scottish Government review of audiology services
• Other sector news

The sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen

NCHA and its members express their profound sense of loss at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a passionate advocate for people with sensory loss, widely respected by the Deaf community and approved the Royal name of the RNID. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.
 
The BDA and RNID paid their respects to the Queen, praising her as a champion of the Deaf community. Read tributes from the BDA and RNID.

Covid booster update for primary care audiology

Following our August update, please note healthcare workers will be offered the Covid booster vaccine. This includes all frontline staff working in primary care audiology settings.
 
Here is an update on the rollout: 

• England. NHS England has said the National Booking Service is open for healthcare workers. So, audiology teams in England can start to book their vaccination here.
• Northern Ireland. The booster rollout is expected to start on 19 September using GPs, pharmacists and Trusts. Pharmacies can offer frontline audiology teams the jab once the rollout begins. (Source: HSCB) 
• Scotland. The booster rollout will start in September, with healthcare workers expected to be prioritised early. Exact details are pending (Source: Scottish Government).
• Wales. The vaccination programme has started, but we are waiting for details about when healthcare workers can have a booster jab to be confirmed (Source: Welsh Government)

Government support with cost-of-living crisis

The government has confirmed the following support for the energy crisis:

• Households: The government will replace the energy price cap with an Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) for two years. It means the typical home will pay no more than £2,500 yearly for the next two years. This is in addition to other schemes already announced.
• Businesses: An initial six-month scheme will provide the equivalent of the EPG for non-domestic energy users. After this period, industries the government has identified as vulnerable will have targeted support.

Members are encouraged to contact us about the impact inflation and energy costs have on primary care audiology provision. Email [email protected]

Scottish Government review of audiology services

Following serious service failures in paediatric audiology in Scotland, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said the government would establish a national audiology review group to examine hearing services provided to children and adults. The Group met in August and finalised its terms of reference. 
 
We will continue monitoring this review and keep NCHA Scotland members fully updated. If you have moved to Scotland or opened a practice here, please let us know by emailing [email protected] so that we can send you Scotland-specific news.

Other sector news

• Frank Lin and Nicholas Reed publish the Hearing loss for dummies book.
• New York Times article seeks to answer whether earbuds are damaging hearing.
• Wall Street Journal. 3M attempted to declare bankruptcy to resolve personal injury liabilities for alleged hearing loss.
• BBC. Former soldier gets £300,000 compensation for hearing loss.
• Wired. The unintended consequences of OTC hearing aids.
• The University of Central Lancashire has launched a new course in Hearing Aid Audiology, which will allow people to become a qualified audiologist and register with the HCPC as a Hearing Aid Dispenser. Learn more.
• BSA member Lucy Rodd is undertaking research into shared decision-making for glue ear management as part of her MSc. Learn more and get involved.
• The AHCS has welcomed CI Task Force guidelines to optimise care for adults with hearing loss and those who might benefit from cochlear implants. Read more