Main theme: Otology.
Introduction: Kingdon review was an independent review of the paediatric hearing services in England.1 This was triggered by concerns raised in NHS Lothian and failures in English services. Paediatric hearing services carry a high risk as undiagnosed hearing loss can have lifelong impact on children. Kingdon review made recommendations to improve the paediatric hearing services. In this regional survey we aimed to identify the impact the Kingdon review had on paediatric audiology services in terms of staffing levels, morale and funding.
Methods: Survey of paediatric audiology leads in five regional centres via semi-structured online interview, and thematic analysis of transcribed interview notes.
Results: 80% of centres are understaffed, there is difficulty with staff recruitment and retention. Staff morale was impacted by findings from Lothian and Kingdon review, which led to staff loss. Some centres had access to funding and study time as a direct result from the local paediatric review, but this was not uniform. 60% of centres had to recall patients for assessment. No centre could confirm concrete plans to implement recommendations of the Kingdon review, and centres anticipate challenges with funding and time required for implementation.
Conclusions: Paediatric audiology services in the northeast and north Cumbria are understaffed. Kingdon review had an impact on staff retention and staff morale. There has been access to funding for education and study leave following the review, but this is not uniform. Staffing and funding improvement is required for implementation of the recommendations of the Kingdon review.
References
1-Kingdon review of children's hearing services: final report