Introduction
The Executive is highly committed to modernising and improving audiology services across Scotland with the aim that patients receive hearing aids of a type best suited to their needs.
Over the four years of the modernisation project, an experienced Project Manager was in post to facilitate this process and an additional £17 million of central funding was made available over the period 2003-04 to 2006-07.
A recent financial audit, which was carried out to determine the level of compliance with financial expenditure, reported that audiology services had benefited greatly from the application of these ring-fenced funds. A significant proportion of the funding was initially used to provide suitable sound proofed accommodation, information technology, the recruitment of additional trained staff and provision of digital hearing aids.
A patient information leaflet on Audiology Modernisation in Scotland was produced, which provides details on a modernised service and information about digital hearing aids.
To support and deliver the audiology modernisation project a Project Board and Advisory Group were established. The Project Board was disbanded in April 2007, however the Advisory Group continues to provide guidance and advice to the Executive on matters of policy. Similarly, project targets were also set to monitor progress and achievements of the project.