The hearing services at our local hospital have let us down

Adults and children are facing significant challenges due to ongoing issues within the audiology department at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Patients have reported lost confidence, developmental delays, and the need to give up cherished hobbies as a result of delays in hearing tests, diagnoses, and treatment.

A recent internal review has exposed weak oversight, poor data management, and leadership gaps. The report revealed that the department had relied on an IT system accessible to only one staff member. Families described being left in "limbo" over their care and labeled the service as "broken." In response, the trust apologized for long delays and highlighted improvements made since identifying the problems.

The review found that concerns about the audiology department were often not escalated or addressed over several years. Staff were reportedly unsupported, training was inadequate, and data on waiting times was historically inaccurate. Leadership was unstable, with the head of the service post vacant between 2017 and 2024, and standard trust processes were frequently not followed.

The human cost of these failings has been severe. Hundreds of adults and children experienced extended delays, leaving some without hearing aids for years. Patients reported difficulties in social interactions, challenges in daily life, and the need to abandon hobbies. One child suffered severe harm, 11 experienced moderate harm, and 13 faced low-level harm due to delays.

Three-year-old Ted, born prematurely in 2022, is one child whose development has been affected. His mother, Danni, who is deaf, said Ted likely needs a hearing aid and has delayed speech. His appointments have been repeatedly canceled, leaving the family anxious about his access to speech and language therapy.

Andrew, a father who moved to Doncaster for his deaf teenage daughter Christines education, experienced similar difficulties. Christine's appointments were canceled without explanation or timely communication. After media attention, her hearing test was eventually rescheduled, but families like theirs remain frustrated with the lack of proactive communication.

The review noted that many patients were unaware of the extent of service issues. As of October, 891 adults and 1,144 children were waiting for a first audiology appointment in Doncaster. Overall, 9,630 adults and 1,984 children were on the waiting list, though many were not considered active waiters due to routine reviews. The trust stated that despite partial suspension of services, improvements have been made, but the backlog continues to cause delays.

For some, delays have forced them to abandon hobbies. Paul Rudkin, a 77-year-old organ player, stopped performing regularly after losing his hearing aid three years ago. His replacement has been delayed, impacting both his confidence and enjoyment. Similarly, a British Army reservist who lost his hearing in Afghanistan remains without care despite registering with the service in 2022.

Maggie Lockhart, 67, waited nearly five years for a hearing aid and went private at significant personal cost. She founded the Doncaster Audiology Action Group to advocate for service improvements. Although trust leaders have invested in staff training and facilities, communication with patients remains a major concern, with many not receiving explanations or apologies for delays.

Zara Jones, deputy chief executive at the trust, acknowledged the impact on patients and families. She confirmed that substantial improvements have been made, including upgraded clinical and information systems, refurbished facilities, and enhanced equipment. The trust aims to return to routine service levels by April 2026.

Author: Harper Simmons