NHS Highland Transforming Audiology Services Karen Williamson Alison Robertson Bill McKerrow Simonie Craig Maimie Thompson

ENT Review of Referrals (Raigmore) 10-20% referrals could be managed in a different way … NOW –Quality of referral information –GPs to start and complete treatment before deciding to refer –Referrals could be avoided- if process for GPs to access advice –Following pathways (eg Direct to Audiology) Nurse Led Developments (Returns) Change in Pathway – Audiology > 18

Pilot of Actions Taken Nurse- Led Daily Vetting of ENT Referrals GP review of Referrals Draft Pathway for Audiology Screening Pilot of Hand-Held Audiology Screener Joint Nurse/Audiologist BAHA Clinic Nurse –Led Ear Care Clinic New Pathway for Direct to Audiology

Direct Access to Audiology Widening direct access from >55 to 18 Years + –3 Month Secondment (Senior Audiologist) –Revise Referral Form & Process –New Pathway to include Screening test & Questionnaire –Management of Returns –Work closely with ENT –Simple Evaluation Was referral appropriate ? How many were referred onto ENT Is ear drum visible Does intervention reduce demand into ENT? Feed-back from patients

Spanners, Red Herrings & Lime Light