President's Blog

Monday 11th November

This is my last President’s blog as I come to the end of my two year term of office, and there is such a lot I could say, but apparently there are word limits…

Wow – what a couple of years it’s been. Over the last two years, we have seen audiology far more on the radar of those in government and senior health leadership. Partly, this has been because of our determination to be a voice for the profession, but also because there have been various events and threats to the profession.

My term kicked off with issues being identified in paediatric audiology across the UK- and actually these issues are systemic across the profession generally – e.g. lack of clarity on training pathways and a lack of accountability for services and their leaders. We have tried to be a voice for the profession at a national level and been clear about things that need to change to support the profession and the barriers you face. We have focussed heavily on keeping audiologists informed and providing support and CPD resources to help you to improve the care you offer.

We have liaised with other organisations and bodies and been behind the scenes representing the profession on more meetings than I care to remember.

This year, we have continued to stick our head above the parapet where we think we need to. For example – we published our Position Statement on Adult Hearing care, knowing that this would cause some debate. And I will reiterate that our position isn’t anti-private sector, but we just want to ensure that hearing services aren’t shifted en masse to the private sector without careful consideration of the issues for service users and the profession, and planning hand in hand with existing local services.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to the board directors who have supported BAA during my term, particularly Kathryn Lewis and Susannah Goggins who we are saying goodbye to as they have completed their two terms. Thank you to all of you that voted in electing our new board directors – it is really important that you engage with us as your professional body. We are delighted to welcome two brand new board directors – Adrian Carragher and Jane Deans- as well as welcoming back Keiran Joseph who was elected back on for a second term.

BAA Board Election results

1. Keiran Joseph, Clinical Lead, Paediatric Audiology, St Thomas’ Hospital, London,
2. Adrian Carragher, Head of Service (Audiology), Audiology Service, University Hospital Ayr, Ayr
3. Jane Deans, Head of Audiology, Audiology Department, Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.

So now I will happily hand over the reins to your new BAA president, Claire Benton, who I know is committed to keeping BAA’s voice strong.

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As ever, you can contact me or any of our board directors here: admin@baaudiology.org

Take care

Sam

BAA President