Did you know there are around 50,000 deaf children in the UK, with three born every day? Nine out of ten deaf children are born to hearing parents, with little or no knowledge of deafness.
Our own research has shown that the early years are absolutely vital in setting up deaf children with the essential communication and social skills they’ll need in later life, but all too often this happens too late. That’s why it’s critical that they get the right support as early as possible, so they can get the best possible start in life.
The National Deaf Children’s Society knows a lot about the challenges facing deaf children nationally, but it’s the parents of deaf children, and the local organisations who support them, who have the local knowledge. They are best placed by far to know what support deaf children need within their own communities – and how to get it to them quickly.
So we’re offering grants for local groups to provide support for deaf children in their local communities. We’re urging community groups across the region to join us in helping deaf children get the vital support they need, when they need it.
Deaf children across Scotland are still falling through the cracks and missing out on vital support despite two years passing since a damning report laid bare the inadequacies of NHS Scotland’s audiology services, the National Deaf Children’s Society is warning.
Today marks two years to the day that the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland (IRASS), identified “multiple systemic problems” in NHS Scotland’s hearing services for both children and adults.
The most urgent recommendations were around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, carried out to identify deafness in very young children. Issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland. This is particularly concerning for young children, where delays or inaccuracies in testing can have lifelong impacts.
Other issues flagged by IRASS were audiology services facing barriers with recruiting new staff and addressing long waiting times.
Information obtained by the National Deaf Children’s Society reveals waiting times to be referred to audiology services in Scotland are unacceptably long. In some cases, children who should be seen within 42 days were waiting up to 600 days, posing a serious risk to early identification and intervention.
One mother shared with the National Deaf Children’s Society the “heartbreaking” impact that her son’s unidentified deafness, coupled with a lack of support and intervention, has had on their family.
Melanie Wright suspected her son Dawson was deaf when he was six, despite him having recently had a hearing test, which revealed no deafness. Dawson, from Dunbar, East Lothian, then had to wait three years before his deafness was finally identified, aged nine, despite Melanie’s repeated calls for a follow-up hearing test.
Dawson’s family were told he required grommets surgery but there would be a two-year wait unless they paid to go privately, which was not an option.
Melanie recalled how exhausting it was for Dawson to keep up with conversations at home and his frustration when he couldn’t join in.
At school, Dawson missed key parts of lessons because he could not hear what was said, which made learning harder and knocked his confidence.
Melanie said: “It’s heartbreaking watching your child work twice as hard just to keep up, knowing it didn’t have to be this way.”
Dawson’s deafness also impacted on friendships, and he often felt excluded.
When the Scottish Government committed to accept all the IRASS recommendations in December 2023, it was hoped there would be a root and branch reform of Scotland’s struggling audiology services.
But progress has been painfully slow, and despite the Scottish Government previously pledging to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are “front and centre” these individuals have since been sidelined, as have deaf charities, despite their direct experience on the frontline.
Melanie continued: “This isn’t about special treatment, it’s about making sure children get the care and support they were promised, when they need it.
“This delay is costing children their education, their confidence, and their future — and no one is taking responsibility.
“I’m exhausted and totally broken by the experience.”
A coalition of charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, has written an open letter to Scotland’s Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP, expressing concern at the lack of progress made by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS.
The charities warn the Minister that delayed hearing tests and inadequate care means that countless other babies and young children, like Dawson, will have unidentified deafness and lack support during this crucial period of their life. This can “severely impact a child’s ability to acquire language – whether spoken, signed or a combination of both”, the letter reads.
IRASS also found an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.
In their letter to the Minister the charities express their disappointment that action taken by the Scottish Government since the publication of IRASS is “yet to deliver the transformative change so urgently needed” while other recommendations “remain partially or completely incomplete”.
The charities urge the Minister to “equip audiology services with the resources, workforce, and leadership necessary to deliver the best possible outcomes for deaf children and adults”.
The Minister is warned by the charities that without “more ambitious and decisive action…we fear the current system will continue to fall short”.
The charities urge action in three key areas:
Evidence of independent safety checks.
Clear accountability for workforce planning.
Transparent reporting on waiting times.
“When every moment counts, it is time for action – not words” the letter to the Minster concludes.
IRASS was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some children suffered life-changing consequences, including developmental delays in their communication, learning and social skills.
This was because their deafness was identified too late for them to receive cochlear implant surgery, or the communications support they needed.
New qualifications body and independent inspectorate to be established
The creation of a new national qualifications body, along with an independent education inspectorate, has taken a major step forward after legislation to implement the changes was passed in the Scottish Parliament.
The Education (Scotland) Bill was backed by 69 votes to 47 by MSPs last night. This includes provisions to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation, Qualifications Scotland.
The office of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, with enhanced independence, will be created to undertake the education inspection functions that currently sit within Education Scotland.
The final legislation, following Stage 2 and Stage 3 amendments to the Bill initially introduced in June last year, includes measures from all political parties represented on Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People committee.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The successful passage of this legislation shows this Government is serious about implementing the changes needed to drive improvement across Scotland’s education and skills system.
“The creation of a new national qualifications body is about building the right conditions for reform to flourish; the new body will ensure that knowledge and experience of pupils and teachers are at the heart of our national qualifications offering.
“The new inspectorate body will also have greater independence and the power to set the frequency and focus of inspections, moving this function away from Ministers, to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector.
“Throughout this process, I have been determined to work with other parties on this vital legislation. I am also grateful to teaching unions and other organisations across civic Scotland who contributed to its development.
“Taken together our major programme of education and skills reform will bring about the changes needed to meet the needs of future generations of young people.”
British Sign Language (BSL) recognised in Scotland’s new education legislation
The National Deaf Children’s Society and fellow deaf campaigners are celebrating after the Scottish Parliament voted through the new Education (Scotland) Bill 2025, which includes crucial recognition of the rights of British Sign Language (BSL) users.
The inclusion of BSL in the Bill is the culmination of a year-long campaign from a coalition of deaf charities, spearheaded by the National Deaf Children’s Society, and supported by more than 500 campaigners, including deaf young people and their families.
The campaign kicked into life after a previous reading of the Bill recognised Gaelic but not BSL, despite both languages having legal recognition in Scotland.
Campaigners urged Scottish MSPs to recognise BSL in the Bill, highlighting that deaf learners in Scotland are currently nearly three times more likely to leave school without qualifications than their hearing peers.
MSPs voted to support the legislation as the Bill completed the final stage of debate on 25 June. It is now set to become law, once it receives Royal Assent.
George McGowan from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “This is a historic moment for deaf children, young people, and their families, who realised this milestone through their tireless and incredible campaigning.
“This means BSL will receive the recognition and support it rightly deserves within Scotland’s educational system.”
The new education bodies created by the legislation will now have to give equal weight to both BSL and the Gaelic language.
The new qualifications agency in Scotland, Qualification Scotland, must also consider the needs of pupils who use BSL or learn in BSL.
This is significant as it recognises the importance of BSL as a language in the Scottish education system and crucially, means deaf children and young people who use BSL, will receive access to information and support from Qualification Scotland in their preferred language.
The new law also places requirements on the new Chief Inspector of Education to consider the importance of communicating in a way that best meets the needs of children and young people, including those who use BSL.
Mr McGowan, who has severe to profound deafness and uses BSL as his first language, added: “Too many deaf children and young people in Scotland still face barriers to learning and to using sign language, if it’s the right choice for them. This is why it’s so vital that this new law now recognises the importance of BSL.”
It is hoped that the passing of the new law will ensure deaf children and young people have access to an inclusive education that meets their needs.
Deaf teenager Niamdh Braid was one of the young people involved in the campaign for the Bill to recognise the rights of BSL users.
Niamdh, who earlier this month attended a meeting with MSPs at Holyrood to discuss the Bill, said: “The inclusion of BSL is incredible as it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.
“This will hopefully not only bring more awareness to BSL but also give deaf children the access to sign language that they need.”
Niamdh, who was supported by the National Deaf Children’s Society in her legal battle with Fife Councilto have a BSL interpreter in her class for school lessons, added: “Hopefully this will mean deaf young people no longer have to fight for access to their own language like I had to.”
BSL is recognised in law as one of Scotland’s languages. It is a vibrant language that allows deaf children and young people to access a rich deaf culture, heritage and identity. The importance of BSL was recognised in the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.
Qualifications Scotland is expected to become operational in Autumn 2025.
A deaf activist from Scotland has shared a moving video message to her younger self as part of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May) campaign.
Ciara McCarthy, aged 20, was born with a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that’s usually harmless but sometimes causes problems in babies and people with a weakened immune system.
Ciara was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at nine months old, is autistic and has profound hearing loss with bilateral cochlear implants.
Ciara, who has led keynote address’ at the SNP and Labour Conferences, highlighting the importance of deaf awareness, tells her younger self: “You can be proud of who you are. Accommodating your disability isn’t embarrassing; it’s empowering. If you need help, ask. You are not alone. You never were.”
In her heartfelt message, Ciara starts by saying: “You’ve started embracing being deaf and disabled. You even have a purple wheelchair (our favourite colour). and you sign every single day without thinking, and it’s not embarrassing or scary.”
Ciara, from Lennoxtown, near Glasgow, continues: “I know that you’re struggling to make friends and feel lonely right now. But I promise, that won’t last.
“You’ll meet some incredible people through activism, some online, and some in real life, and they’ll be there for your most significant achievements.
“You’ll find your community, and they’ll make you feel seen.
“And remember how you always wanted people to understand disability? Well, that’s your job now. You’ve met politicians, spoken to celebrities, and shared your story to help people.
“But I won’t lie – it’s not always easy. You’ll lose friends. You’ll trust the wrong people. You’ll face barriers every single day.
Ciara adds: “But you’re not fighting for yourself anymore. You’re fighting for disabled students across Scotland and the UK.”
Ciara’s inspiring message is just one in a series of powerful videos from deaf people to their younger selves which are currently being shared by the National Deaf Children’s Society on social media to celebrate deaf identity, resilience, and community, during Deaf Awareness Week.
One of the video messages is from the BAFTA winning actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who recently starred in hit BBC1 drama Reunion. Rose reassures her younger self: “Don’t worry too much”, recalling how she was nervous ahead of her first job interview to work in a supermarket.
Rose, who was born deaf, tells her younger self: “You were worried and concerned and you told mum that you didn’t know if you would get the job because you are deaf.
“Forget that – you will get the job! When you get the job, you will realise your confidence will grow. You will learn that being deaf is actually your advantage. It will give you so many opportunities.”
Rose, who also recently fronted BBC documentary Old Hands New Tricks, in which she teaches BSL to residents at a retirement home, adds: “Just learn how to make the most of those opportunities. Before you know it, you will have an amazing time. Just believe in yourself.”
Arran Masterman, from the National Deaf Children’s Society said: “We want deaf children and their families to be inspired by these stories and messages of empowerment. We’re encouraging deaf children to embrace their deaf identity and see their uniqueness as a strength.
“It’s also about raising awareness of deaf experiences. Whether it’s overcoming barriers, finding confidence, or embracing sign language, every story is a celebration of deaf pride and resilience, for deaf children, young people and the wider deaf community.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society wants deaf children and young people to keep believing in themselves, keep aiming high, and achieving whatever they want to do.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and young people.
For anyone needing advice, support or information about deafness, please call our free Helpline on 0808 800 8880 or visit our website, www.ndcs.org.uk
The National Deaf Children’s Society is here for you whenever you need help or support – if you’ve just found out your child has a hearing loss, you need support with making decisions as your child grows up or you work with deaf children.
There are free deaf awareness resources on the National Deaf Children’s Society website with deaf awareness videos for children, a deaf awareness quiz and much more.
Three children from the Lothians – including two siblings – conquered the Edinburgh Marathon Festival’s 2k run in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society.
West Calder siblings Jamie Farquhar, 10, and Cerys Firth, 11, and Wallyford youngster Mila Coult, 9, took on the picturesque course, which followed Queen’s Drive in the shadow of Salisbury Crags, on Saturday 25 May.
Jamie and Cerys smashed their original fundraising target, with £750 raised, while Mila did likewise and has raised over £900 so far for the charity, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
All three youngsters chose to run for the National Deaf Children’s Society because they have been affected by deafness in their families. Jamie was born deaf and now wears hearing aids, while Mila became deaf at the age of three and now has cochlear implants. Both families have been receiving ongoing support from the charity.
Jamie and Cerys live in West Calder with their parents Carrie-Ann and Callum and other siblings Emma and Erin, while Mila lives in Wallyford, near Musselburgh, with her mum Regan and stepdad Shaun.
Jamie said:“I chose the National Deaf Children’s Society because I love the activities I do with them and I want to keep that going for other deaf children.
“It felt amazing to finish, it felt great getting the medal. The thought of the medal kept me going. I tripped over a bar near the end, it was funny! I’m just really proud of how much we raised.”
Cerys added: “I ran for the National Deaf Children’s Society because my little brother is deaf. It felt amazing to get to the finish line. We both tripped up at the end! I knew I had to finish because if I didn’t, I’d have let lots of people down. I was doing it for Jamie.”
Commenting on her run, Mila said: “I really liked raising money, the run was really active and encouraged me to keep running and push myself. It was really tiring but I feel proud that I did it.”
Regan, Mila’s mum, added: “I’m so beyond proud of Mila and what she’s accomplished, both in fundraising for a charity so close to our hearts, and by pushing herself to run and have fun.”
Tamsin Bayliss,who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:“I want to say a huge thank you to Jamie, Cerys and Mila for taking on this challenge for us. Conquering the Edinburgh Marathon Festival’s 2k run was a great achievement and we’re very proud of you.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Jamie, Cerys and Mila will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the support available to parents of deaf children in Wales, as part of Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
With more than 90% of deaf children born to hearing parents with no experience of deafness, many families can be unsure where to go for support or what being deaf means for their child’s future. Parents who are deaf may also not always know where to go to for support when they are told their child is deaf.
The National Deaf Children’s Society asked the parents of deaf children from across the UK to share the emotions they experienced after being told their child is deaf. The charity also asked deaf young people to share their deaf awareness tips, in the hope of helping other families new to deafness.
Gladiators star Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, shared her top tips to help deaf children and young people smash through the barriers which some regularly face:
The hit show’s first deaf Gladiator said: “For me, the most useful tip has to be honesty. Just by being very open and honest and being vulnerable in those moments where you may be misunderstanding or feeling isolated at times, is huge.
“Not only does it help your confidence, but it raises awareness to the people around you so that they are able to understand and support where they can.”
“Be brave and just go for it, whether it’s a new sport or a challenge that may feel a bit scary, you never know what is around the corner and your deafness certainly shouldn’t to be the reason to hold you back.”
Lorraine, from Motherwell, whose 18-year-old daughter Kara is profoundly deaf, urges parents of deaf children to join a local support group and the National Deaf Children’s Society.
She said: “We didn’t know about support groups or the National Deaf Children’s Society so I wish we’d known more about the support out there and that there’s people you can talk to. This is a big thing when your child is first identified as deaf – especially being able to speak to the parents of other deaf children.”
Lorraine also recommends all parents of deaf children learn British Sign Language. She said: “We were advised by professionals not to learn sign language as it would stop Kara from talking. But in hindsight I wish we’d learned BSL as it would have boosted Kara’s deaf identity.”
When asked what the most helpful piece of advice was after finding out Kara is deaf, Lorraine replied: “To join the National Deaf Children’s Society for more information and the community.
“We went on a weekend for newly identified deaf children and it was fantastic because of all the information we found out and the support that NDCS provided us with. Kara was a young deaf campaigner for the NDCS and she’s now making deaf awareness videos for the BBC.”
Lorraine’s top tip during Deaf Awareness Week is to make sure a deaf person can see you when you’re talking to them. She said: “Make sure you keep your hands away from your mouth and don’t shout through walls. It’s vital deaf people can read your lips, to see what’s being said.”
Victoria, a parent from Aberdeen concedes she knew “nothing” about deafness when she was first told that her son Lewis is deaf.
She said: “That is the scariest part and I panicked. I felt ignorant about deafness, and I wish I had known more.
“But don’t panic as there’s so much support out there and a whole community who will help you with any questions, situations and they provide fantastic help and guidance.
“Speak to as many parents about their experiences and engage with the National Deaf Children’s Society.”
Victoria admitted she cannot remember anything useful from the first four weeks after she was told Lewis is deaf, as she was still coming to terms with what this would mean for her son.
“Then I went to Aberdeen School for Deaf Coffee morning, I cried as they were so kind and lovely. there were people signing and this is when I realised this would be our new journey.
“There were older children who showed that their deafness wasn’t holding them back, it was at this point I knew it would all be ok.”
Lewis is now aged five, attends a mainstream school and he has worn bilateral cochlear implants since he was 15 months old.
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland with the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Many parents tell us they knew very little, or nothing at all, about deafness before they had a deaf child. So, it’s hardly surprising that these parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold for their children.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.”
This May we celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May).
Did you know that nine out of ten deaf children are born to hearing parents? A great many parents tell us they knew very little or even nothing at all about deafness before they had a deaf child.
So it’s hardly surprising that many such parents find themselves feeling confused, unprepared and worried about what the future might hold.
The National Deaf Children’s Society is here to help you give your deaf child the very best start in life. With the right support, there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t grow up confident, happy and fulfilled.
We’re here for you. We can provide support for all of you who are new to the journey, through our extensive resources – from our Helpline, 0808 800 8880, and our wealth of expertise, right through to the friendship and reassurance of our fantastic community.
The Scottish Government has responded to the report and recommendations of the Independent Review of audiology in Scotland, established following the NHS Lothian audiology scandal.
In response to a parliamentary question from Evelyn Tweed, MSP, the Scottish Government has committed to accept all of the recommendations of the review in principle, and to now establish a National Implementation Group to examine how best to implement the recommendations.
The Scottish Government response also stated that “this Implementation Group will be formed with partners from the third sector, as well as the health service, which will allow us to ensure the voices of those with lived experience are front and centre as changes are made.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to accept all of the recommendations, and looks forward to working with Government to ensure the recommendations are swiftly and effectively delivered.
Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Deaf children and their families will welcome the publication of the Scottish Government response to the Independent Review of Audiology. The review identified multiple, systemic problems within audiology services in NHS Scotland.
“We have called for the Scottish Government to grasp this opportunity for transformative change to make sure audiology is safe and fit for purpose. Parents will be relieved that the Scottish Government has committed to accept all of the review’s recommendations in principle – although we all recognise there is much work to be done to deliver on them.
“The independent review raised significant concerns about how well the results of the specialist tests carried out on children where hearing loss is suspected were being assessed. Issues with the assessment of the results of these tests, known as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) tests, were identified in every Scottish health board area. So, we’re delighted the Scottish Government has committed to act on the various recommendations made in the review to improve ABR testing.
“However, these concerns were flagged to the Scottish government eight months ago, so it is absolutely vital that we act at pace to deliver these recommendations.
“One of the key findings in the report was that there has been a long term lack of investment and prioritisation of audiology services in Scotland. In order to achieve the shared ambition of making sure audiology services are safe and fit for purpose, appropriate funding will need to be found as part of implementation.
“It is therefore great that the Scottish Government has committed to ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience are front and centre of the new National Implementation Group.
“While we welcome this commitment to implement the recommendations of the review, the we look to the Scottish Government to provide more detail and expand on their current commitments, so that deaf children and their families can be sure that will be no repeat of the NHS Lothian scandal.
“We’ll continue to campaign tirelessly until we’re satisfied plans are in place to ensure hearing services across the country are fully staffed and operating at a consistent quality, with monitoring and data collection in place – all of which are crucial if we’re to fix a broken system.
“We know deaf children can achieve anything that hearing children can when they get the right support, but for this to happen their deafness must be identified at the earliest opportunity. This is why it is vitally important that children always receive high-quality and effective testing and long-term support.”
Edinburgh boy Alasdair MacDonald, 10, achieved his ambition of climbing 100 Munros before his 11th birthday for the National Deaf Children’s Society.
He scaled the final two, the twin peaks of Mayar and Driesh in the Cairngorms, on Saturday 23 September, accompanied by around 20 friends and family, meaning he’s climbed 50 Munros this year alone.
He set himself the challenge out of love for his little sister Heather, 8, who was born deaf, and to raise funds for the charity, who supported Heather and the family.
Ally’s family marked the occasion with a celebration on the summit of Driesh, followed by a party at their home to say thank you for all the support they’d received.
He’s smashed his target of £500, with £1,530 raised so far for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children.
Ally lives with Heather and their parents Sara and Ranald in Edinburgh.
Ally said:“It was an amazing feeling to complete the challenge and to get to the top of my 100th Munro. We had a lovely day on Saturday and I was very happy that so many of my friends could join me on the final walk.
“I never thought we’d raise as much money as we have for the National Deaf Children’s Society and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and supported me.”
Sara, Ally’s mum, added:“We were so proud when Alasdair completed his 100th Munro on Saturday at Glen Clova with 20 of his friends and family. We were really lucky and the sun was shining as we set off.
“All the kids and adults were fantastic supporters throughout the day and it was a really emotional end to the challenge.
“When we got back home we treated everyone to pizza and drinks, to say thanks for the overwhelming support they gave Ally.”
Melissa Jones,who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:“I want to say a huge thank you to Ally for taking on this brilliant challenge for us. 100 Munros, with the final 50 this year alone, and all before your 11th birthday, is a truly towering achievement. We’re so proud of you.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of fantastic fundraisers like Ally will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
There are over 3,300 deaf children in Scotland, with around 200 in Edinburgh.
Those wishing to make a donation can still do so by visiting:
Recommendations to improve audiology services have been made to the Scottish Government, Health Boards and third sector partners.
An Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland sets out 55 recommendations for improving governance and structure, education and leadership.
Professor Jacqueline Taylor MBE conducted the review for Ministers following failures identified in audiology treatment for children.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I would like to thank Professor Taylor and her team this thorough report that sets out clear options for improving audiology care across the country.
“We must recognise that many families were badly let down by these services in the past and this report’s recommendations will help ensure that is not allowed to happen again.
“The report is clear in its call for better leadership, structure and governance at all levels. Some of the recommendations are in areas where we are already taking action, such as increased funding for staff training.
“What is abundantly clear in their findings is that good audiology care can be life changing, and patients recognise and value the expertise and compassion of staff. We will fully consider the findings and set out the next steps to Parliament in the coming months.”
Professor Taylor said: “The wide-ranging recommendations in this report provide the foundation for improvements which will ensure high-quality, joined-up, patient-centred services.
“Audiology staff are working incredibly hard, often in challenging circumstances and during the course of the Review process we have seen many examples of good practice.
“We have also identified a range of issues which need to be resolved. I am extremely grateful to the patients, parents, audiology staff and stakeholders who helped to shape this Review. We have listened carefully, and I believe that by working together, we have a real opportunity to develop excellent services across Scotland.
“The Review Report is not an end in itself: it is the first step in a process of change which will require time, resources and national leadership to deliver. We hope that the Scottish Government will respond positively to the recommendations and will ensure that the words in this report, are turned into actions.”
Following the publication of the final report and recommendations of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of the state of audiology in Scotland.
“Parents who rely on audiology services for their children will be shocked to learn there has been an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.”
The most urgent recommendations in the review are around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, which is carried out to identify deafness in very young children.
Mr Ballard said: “It is alarming that issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland.
“We know deaf children can achieve anything that hearing children can when they get the right support, but for this to happen their deafness must be identified at the earliest opportunity. This is why it is vitally important that children always receive high quality and effective testing and long-term support.
“Parents need reassurance that issues with the quality of services will be swiftly addressed. This report was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some of those children experienced life-changing consequences, because their deafness was identified too late for them to get the surgery or communication support they needed. There must be no more similar failures.”
The report also found there is a lack of consistent data collection, meaning it is difficult to monitor quality and compare how health boards in Scotland are performing. This makes it impossible to know if other deaf children are being failed in the same way as those in Lothian.
Mr Ballard continued: “Parents told the review about the difference a good audiologist can make and it is clear from this report we need to make sure they always have the resources, training and leadership required to deliver effective support.
“It is now crystal clear to the Scottish Government and NHS health boards what they must do to make sure every child gets the testing and support they need,” Mr Ballard added.
