This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Waiting time for Audiology appointment

Posted By jbnewayr

"Waiting time for Audiology appointment"

About: Crosshouse Hospital / Ear, Nose & Throat

(as the patient),

I have hearing aids for both ears which I have had for just over 3 years.

Recently, I have noticed a marked deterioration in my ability to hear, even when using the hearing aids.

I phoned Crosshouse Audiology department to enquire how to make an appointment and was advised to call in to the drop-in clinic, which I did.

There I was told to arrange to have my ears syringed at my GP surgery and, as it was likely that my hearing has changed in 3 years, an appointment would be made to test my hearing and review my hearing aids.

Having now had my ears syringed and with no noticeable improvement, I phoned to find out how long it was likely to be before I got an appointment and was told 6 MONTHS.

While I don't suggest that my situation is an emergency, this seems an unacceptably long wait, particularly as my hearing difficulties are impacting on my ability to hear what is being said in work meetings.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 9 years ago
We have made a change
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 05/02/2015 at 09:29
Published on Care Opinion at 10:33

picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear jbnewayr,

Oh dear, how difficult for you. We take our hearing for granted until we are struggling. We also perhaps don’t always appreciate the wider potential social impact of hearing impairment. The impact can be immense on individuals, families and the cost if people ultimately may be unable to remain in work. I am so sorry you have been given such a long time scale and I have been assured that if you would like the chance to be seen as the result of a cancellation, please call 01292 617175 and ask to be put through to Audiology or email:- audiology.service@nhs.net

I have spoken to the Head of Audiology and he too is sorry your wait may be that long. The reasons why this service is under such pressure are many, however, we do acknowledge the problems and there is a plan in place to address this. There is a recruitment process for two new Audiologists ongoing, but unfortunately this takes time and these posts are not filled as yet. There are also additional clinics out of hours to increase the available appointment spaces.

Thank you for sharing this with us and I hope you get your hearing issue sorted as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

Eunice

p.s. As I read your post, I thought, why can you not just ‘drop in again?’ For those of you who would like to understand, I am now older and wiser. The Monday – Friday drop in sessions (check the times and places before you leave) are for obvious ‘physical’ hearing aid problems I.e. broken or playing up hearing aids. Thus, if the aid can be repaired or replaced on site at the time then it is done. As far as I know, this was the first service of its kind in Scotland at the time (wonderful – well done, it sounds like a really helpful service to me). We also plan to add this information in various communication methods.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by jbnewayr (the patient)

Dear Eunice,

Thanks for your response. I will call Audiology tomorrow to let them know that, under the circumstances, I would be more than happy to be seen as the result of a cancellation, even at very short notice!

Regards.

jbnewayr

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 9 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 05/02/2015 at 17:03
Published on Care Opinion at 17:03

picture of Eunice Goodwin

Good luck, I hope you are successful.

Best wishes,

Eunice

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k