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Action on Audiology
Leeds Hard of Hearing Forum has in the past had many dealings with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. They have advised us of changes happening within the National Health Service (NHS) to do with Audiology – some good, and some not so good. Forum has campaigned for many changes over some of the things found lacking within the NHS for people with a hearing loss/difficulty for many years.
Nick Setchfield is the current person who is in negotiation with us at this time, and on one visit to a Forum meeting, we were firing questions at him about improving services and aftercare of newly diagnosed people who have received a hearing aid or aids. This is a continuing issue raised by people who visit the Hearing Loss Equipment Room, and one of the points Forum campaigns vigorously on. Nick suggested a focus group or a pressure group would be a good idea to help him move things along. He expressed the thought that perhaps we were the best people to help and advise others who are new to hearing difficulties (especially older or elderly people and people perhaps not too keen on new technology).
The idea was welcomed at the meeting as a good one. Jacqui Hurst (Chair of Forum at the time) further discussed this with other members at committee meetings and it was agreed that a group should be set up. Sarah Eaton and Chrissie Nash (the present Chair) were working together to develop ideas and coursework for the Sensory Awareness Training, and it was suggested that since we were already active developing the training coursework, we could also co-ordinate a group that highlighted the plight of aftercare services and support for people with hearing loss.
Sarah and Chrissie were given the task of designing a logo, thinking up an appropriate name for the group and deciding which tasks needed to be tackled first. It was generally agreed that waiting lists were the main priority.
Action on Audiology was chosen as a name for the focus group, and, although it is still early in its stages of development, we are keen to move things along and improve support and advice for people who need it. We have had a couple of meetings to gather information and we are at present waiting to meet with Nick Setchfield to discuss how we can work together to forge the way for better hearing loss services. This last year has been an exciting time for Forum with the development of this group, and we are looking forward to 2007 in which we will see more developments … so watch this space!
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