Introduction
The Scottish Government is highly committed to modernising and improving audiology services in NHS Scotland. £19 million pounds of ring-fenced central funding was allocated to finance this between 2003 and 2007.
Over the four years of the modernisation project, a Project Manager was employed to oversee the process. A Project Board, and Advisory Group, were also established to support and deliver the project.
The Project Board was disbanded after the project ended in April 2007, however the Advisory Group continues to provide the Scottish Government with guidance and advice on policy matters.
In September 2007 the First Minister announced the inclusion of audiology in the 18 week referral to treatment target from January 2008, to be delivered by December 2011. All NHS Boards are working towards meeting this target, and it is anticipated that all of them will reach it.
In collaboration with a range of cross border agencies, the British Academy of Audiology and clinical experts from the NHS in England, Wales and Scotland, the Advisory Group have produced Quality Standards for Adult Hearing Rehabilitation Services and Quality Standards for Paediatrick Audiology Services. These were formally launched in April 2009 by Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport.