LATEST NEWS
Get the most up to date information on topics and issues that affect our profession and the services we provide.
Hearing Screening for Life Launch
Age-related hearing loss is a disability which affects millions of people and it has a much wider impact on people’s lives than simply being unable to hear properly. This is why I am very grateful our campaign is supported by so many charities across the ageing and disability spectrum. They know how much positive difference to the lives of their beneficiaries universal hearing screening at 65 will have. Listen to what the supporting organisations are saying, and listen to our report. Hear what we are asking for and support our goal – hearing screening for all at the age of 65".
Daz Cordon an NHS Audiologist would like your help with a short survey on De Wax services in the NHS
Are you looking for further education opportunities?
Planning your CPD activity?
Feel there are some areas you need to brush up on?
Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh offers a PgDip/MSc in Rehabilitative Audiology that runs on a modular basis. The Audiology specific modules are accredited by the BAA Higher Training Scheme (HTS). The entire course is delivered online which makes it accessible for Audiologists both in the UK & Overseas who want to update or extend skills and knowledge while working. It can be completed on a full time or part time basis. Modules on this course include:
- Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
- Advanced Counselling
- Research Methods
- Paediatric Aural Rehabilitation
- Adult Aural Rehabilitation
Closing date for Applications is the 31st of July.
For further information please contact Lizanne Steenkamp by email: lsteenkamp@qmu.ac.uk or tel: (0) 131 474 0000 F: +44 (0) 131 474 0001 or go to www.qmu.ac.uk/shs/Audiology
BAA Position Statement on Specialist Commissioning
BAA have responded to the consultation on NHS Specialist Commissioning you can read our response here.
This consultation is still open and we encourage members to respond as well. Details of the consultation are below
Professor John Bamford welcomed into the Healthcare Science Roll of Honour.
BAA would like to congratulate Professor John Bamford on his appointment to the Healthcare Science Roll of Honour.
He is enrolement recognises his sustained contribution across his career, in particular development of hearing services and his contribution to the hearing profession, is recognised nationally and internationally.
Congratulations to Professor Bamford please read his full citation below.
Rayovac Presented with Queen's Award for Enterprise
RUN OF SUCCESS FOR BATTERY MANUFACTURER
Rayovac enters 2013 in a celebratory mood after being presented with the coveted Queen's Award for Enterprise for the second year in a row - one of a string of major business awards it has picked up in the last few months.
Deaf Access to Communication appoints a new chair
In October the Deaf Access to Communication special interest group was established by UKCoD to carry forward work related to relay services and the Communications Act review. The group sought to appoint a chair who would help lead it forward in these two areas of challenge. Sandra Verkuyten OBE, previously chief executive of the Hearing Aid Council, has been appointed to the role of chair
ITV launches world’s first children’s storybook app with sign language
ITV is launching the world's first animated storybook app with British and American Sign Language to make reading fun for all children.
BAA Conference, 12-13th November 2012
'Taking steps towards a holistic profession'
Conference Countdown: 7 weeks to go!
Equivalence Communication Brief
With HCPC approval in place for two certificates, the AHCS in collaboration with its partners can now offer routes to registration as a Clinical Scientist. The AHCS offers two certificates:
- The Certificate of Attainment - for those individuals who successfully complete the MSC Scientist Training Programme (STP)
- The Certificate of Equivalence - for those individuals who successfully complete the AHCS equivalence assessment process
Response from BAA regarding AoHL Report on budget cuts
Action on Hearing Loss Report accessing provision of adult audiology services and the impact of budget cuts
Clinical Advisory Group
Dear Heads of Service,
The Clinical Advisory Group for Prescribed Services has recently launched (11th September) it's recommendations for nationally commissioned services. The group considered four factors when looking at services for a national commissioning model; (a) the number of individuals who require the provision of the service or facility; (b) the cost of providing the service or facility; (c) the number of persons able to provide the service or facility; (d) the financial implications for clinical commissioning groups if they were required to arrange for the provision of the service or facility.
UK Audiologist of the Year Competition Winner
A Scottish hearing professional is celebrating after being named the UK’s leading audiologist in recognition of his work with hard of hearing people in his own community.
Stephen Douglas, from Inverness, is the winner of the Audiologist of the Year Award for 2012 and will now go forward to represent the UK in the European equivalent.
ACADEMY FOR HEALTHCARE SCIENCE GAINS HCPC APPROVAL
The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) today announced that it has gained
approval by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to grant Certificates of
Equivalence and Attainment, leading to eligibility for registration as a Clinical Scientist.
Change to the training requirements for Route 1 candidates for the Certificate of Attainment
BAA have received an announcement from the Association of Clinical Scientists which is detailed here:
The ACS submitted a Major Change application to the Health and Care Professions Council
(HCPC). The application was to reduce the minimum training period for Route 1 candidates from
four years to three. This was the only change to our requirements.
Call for Award Nominations 2012
Every year at the BAA annual conference, we take time to acknowledge those individuals and teams who have excelled or shown exceptional commitment to the Audiology profession over the past year.
Health Outcomes Strategy for Children and Young People
The Children and Young People's Health Outcomes Forum has recently published its recommendations for the Health Outcomes Strategy.
NDCS launch commissioning document
The National deaf Childrens Society has launched it's guide Commissioning audiology services for young adults
The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) Evidence Collection
The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) Evidence Collection
The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) Evidence Collection
Letter from Gillian Leng
Deputy Chief Executive, NICE
The NHS is facing a significant challenge to improve the quality of care in difficult economic times, and demonstrate that money is being spent wisely, with the best possible outcomes.
Chief Scientific officer update
The July 2012 edition of the Chief Scientific Officer's Bulletin is now available here.
In this edition, Professor Sue Hill sets out the dates for the November healthcare science events, the honours given to healthcare scientists and an update on Modernising Scientific Careers.
Elsewhere in the Bulletin, you can find out more about the successes of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme and the NHS Innovation Challenge award given to the histopathology team in Plymouth. There are also updates on the current changes to the architecture of the NHS, Health Education England and a call for contributions on the changes to the NHS Procurement system
New Chief Executive at Action on Hearing loss
AoHL has just announced its replacement Chief Executive. Paul Breckell will take over from Jackie Ballard on the 20th August.
UPDATED!!! Action on Hearing Loss and Specsavers Announcement
UPDATED!!! Action on Hearing Loss and Specsavers Announcement
Dear Members,
A number of members have asked for clarification of the original email which was received from Action on Hearing loss regarding the nature of the remaining relationship with Specsavers. Gareth Smith received the following email from Action on Hearing Loss this week to clarify the situation. The response was:
Dear Gareth
Thank you for your email and request for further clarification. I can confirm that the sponsorship arrangement with Specsavers has ended. However, it is possible that in future Specsavers, along with other private hearing aid dispensers, will be able to take out (paid for) adverts in our membership magazine or provide sponsorship for our annual general meeting. In these cases Specsavers would be part of a range of sponsors and at the moment no such activity has been agreed or scheduled in.
I hope this answers your query.
Best wishes
Jackie
Please see the original e-mail below, received from Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive at Action on Hearing Loss.
Gareth
BAA President
BAA Conference Registration 2012 is now Open
About the conference
This year we have invited speakers who will inspire our thinking about the many facets of our profession and related areas so that we can create new knowledge about the steps needed to create a holistic approach to managing hearing loss, balance disorder and tinnitus.
Our goal is to have a variety of national and international speakers, particularly from Europe. Some highlights in the program include dedicated sessions on tinnitus and balance and a workshop track entitled, "leading change", where there will be a featured session by Dr Sarah Lewis on collaborative transformational change and a session by Dr Helen Pryce on addressing complex needs.
We hope that through interactive sessions, practical workshops and social events to make the program an excellent networking opportunity, facilitate collaborative knowledge-sharing....but most of all an exciting and enjoyable learning experience for you.
More detail below
Commissioning Testimonials
BAA has recently contested a commissioner testimonial which has appeared in a online GP magazine.
The AQP Commissioning lead agreed the testimonial should no longer be used and has worked with the local PCT to ensure it is withdrawn.
If you are aware of any testimonials which you feel are no longer relevant pleasem contact BAA and we will take this up with the commissioning teams.
The DH and the AQP team have issued the following advice to services:
'Healthcare providers are likely to want to supplement national sources of information, like the NHS Choices website, with more specific or customised information about their services available to patients. It is essential, however, that such information is accurate, truthful and straightforward, and does not damage the reputation of other providers, nor that of the NHS as a whole.
It is appropriate for organisations to seek to raise the profile and awareness of their services amongst potential patients and GPs, but they must do so in accordance with the Code of practice for the promotion of NHS-funded services. Adherence to the code is enforced by PCTs through the contract management process, and overseen by SHAs. The code applies equally to all providers of NHS-commissioned services, whether they are from the independent sector, third sector or NHS.
New MSc in Audiological Science at the University of Leeds
New MSc in Audiological Science at the University of Leeds
World leading researchers, state of the art facilities and flexible delivery
Enrolling now, Deadline: 29 June.
Why study this programme?
This is a programme of advanced study and research aimed at UK and international students who are keen to develop their clinical, academic and research skills in audiology and contribute to the discipline's clinical and professional knowledge base through the advancement of evidence-based practice.
Who is the programme for?
The Audiological Science MSc programme is attractive to local, national and international students who wish to enhance their understanding and professional practice of Audiology, research, leadership and management. This programme will be of interest to you if you have trained as an Audiologist, or work in a related discipline to Audiology, and wish to further your career in academia or within a clinical setting.
Benefits of this programme
This programme allows students to update their knowledge of audiology and explore recent developments in this field with the added value of doing so within a research intensive university that values teaching excellence. You will study
through collaborative pedagogy, with lecturers and professors within the School of Healthcare who are experienced in their fields of practice and have wide-ranging research interests. Studying on this programme will provide you with the opportunity to:
- Gain transferable skills to pursue careers in either academia or healthcare.
- Profit from structured individual learning and training so that you can manage your personal and professional development and build on your existing experience and current role in healthcare.
- Advance your knowledge and understanding of audiological theory, principles and practice.
- Develop your leadership and management skills.
- Gain a thorough understanding of audiological research and develop your own research skills.
- Gain excellent preparation for progression to research at doctoral level.
Programme content
Starting in September 2012, the MSc in
New Tinnitus Leaflet Available from BTA
New Tinnitus Leaflet Available Following Requests from Professionals
In response to requests from audiology professionals, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), a world leader in providing support and advice about tinnitus, has published a new tinnitus leaflet and poster sharing updated information and advice about tinnitus management. A copy is included as an insert in this issue of the
Intended as a bright, positive and informative source of information about tinnitus, the new leaflet includes information on causes of tinnitus as well as treatment options, and incorporates an A3 poster which can be displayed on notice boards and patient areas within clinics and surgeries.
Published Report on Education Training and Workforce Planning in the NHS
Government plans to reform education, training and workforce planning in the NHS are unclear and lack crucial detail, says the Health Select Committee.
Plans to reform handling of the £5billion annual training budget are welcome in principle, but without greater clarity and detail from the Government, coupled with a greater sense of urgency about their implementation, the success of new arrangements is at risk, say MPs.
Government plans to reform education, training and workforce planning in the NHS are unclear and lack crucial detail, says the Health Select Committee.
Plans to reform handling of the £5billion annual training budget are welcome in principle, but without greater clarity and detail from the Government, coupled with a greater sense of urgency about their implementation, the success of new arrangements is at risk, say MPs.
http://www.parliament.uk/healthcom provides you with access to the report (broken down into three volumes).
ideas - Speak up Action and awareness for hearing loss
Ideas is a competition being run by the IDA Institute and the Oticon Foundation. It's aim is to:
- Ccreate public awareness about hearing loss
- Put hearing loss on the public agenda
- Encourage people to take action on hearing loss
The website www.awarenessforhearingloss.com will give you an opportunity to take part in the competition and intersact with other people interested in hearing loss around the world.
Audiology Team Cycle 200 Miles for Hearing Link
Will Brassington, Head of Audiology Services at Nottingham University Hospital and eleven colleagues from Audiology and ENT are taking on an impressive fundraising challenge in aid of Hearing Link this May. The dozen-strong team have pledged to cycle a 200-mile route from Hearing Link's head office in Eastbourne, East Sussex, to their NHS Audiology clinic at Ropewalk House, Nottingham.
Clinical Leadership Fellowship Applications in the NHS
The Clinical Leadership Fellowship programme is the only scheme designed for clinicians in all areas of the NHS across England.
The programme supports the transformation of leadership capacity and capability across the NHS, and it offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills.
The programme runs on a part-time basis over nine months in the Fellows own organisation and in conjunction with their existing clinical role. Fellows are expected to commit to approximately 48 days, 18 of which will be dedicated to in-service project time to work on designing and implementing a service transformation project in their work place.
This project will be built on the principles of the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme and alongside this fellows work towards a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Service Improvement as part of the programme but will also be expectated to give personal time to academic reading which has not been accounted for in the 48 days. This time requirement will be individual to each fellow.
Campaign to tackle isolation of deaf teenagers launched
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is launching a campaign called Look, Smile, Chat to help deaf and hearing teenagers communicate with each other.
Revised Apptitude Test
BAA have been successful in making the argument with the Health Professions Council that it is unfair that our members who are on a register (and in being so have been assessed as being equivalent to at least degree level audiologists) have to be reassessed for HPC/HAC registration in aspects that they are known to be competent in.
For more information on how to apply for the Apptitude test please see below:
Academy for Healthcare Science Announces Appointments
ACADEMY FOR HEALTHCARE SCIENCE ANNOUNCES THREE
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
THE ACADEMY for Healthcare Science, a newly-established organisation working on behalf of healthcare science and its constituent professions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, today announced the appointment of its three Scientific Non- Executive Directors, who will sit on the Academy's Management Board.
Can you become Audiologist of the Year?
Excellence Rewarded
Rayovac, in conjunction with Audio Infos, are looking for the 2012 Audiologist of the Year.
Nominate your audiologist now - the closing date is July 13th 2012
Andrew Darnell Runs Marathon for a local Deafness Charity
Hi all!
I am an audiologist working in Leicester and I have been “lucky†enough to get a place in the London Marathon this year, raising money for a local charity called “Action Deafnessâ€. I have seen the important work this charity does to support the hearing impaired population in our region. Any level of sponsorship would be gratefully received via my Just Giving page:
www.justgiving.com/andrewdmarathon2012
Every extra pound I can raise will go to a great cause and help to motivate me on those punishing training runs! Many thanks in advance, Andrew Darnell.
NHS Pensions Petition
The British Medical Association has launched an E-petition calling for the government to resume talks on the NHS pension. Please visit the attached link to sign the petition
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29071
Seeking good practice in commissioning and providing diagnostic services
We are writing to seek your help to identify examples of good practice in both commissioning and providing diagnostic & scientific services. Diagnostic & scientific services mean services such as imaging, endoscopy, pathology and physiological measurement - e.g. respiratory & cardiac testing - and use of technical equipment.
New website goes live
BAA's new website has gone live in its first stage, with another two tranches of activity still to be completed. The exciting new design and facilities will ultimately give members an enhanced online experience and access to centrally-managed features - all with one log in.
Suggested CPD Actvity for January
The Professional Development Team would like to promote Continuing Professional Development activities that are quick and easy to do but also that do not incur costs.
We aim to add an activity to the website each month that may be of interest to members. January's suggestion is below.
Introducing Hearing Link
Hearing Link is the UK hearing loss organisation that makes it easy to find:
- the right information
- appropriate services
- meaningful ways to connect with other people
Modernising Scientific Careers Leads
BAA Members are encouraged to make contact with their local leads for Modernising Scientific Careers. A full list of the leads is avaiable in this article.
BAA Conference Slides
We have slides from our BAA conferences on show on our site. Please login to be able to view.
Charging for CPD Course Accreditation
It is our intention that all courses requiring British Academy of Audiology CPD Accreditation will be subject to a charge of £30. This charge will apply to commercial courses sent for accreditation after 1st January 2012, regardless of the fee structure for course attendance.
