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Hearing aid plastic tubing

Posted By Douglas167

"Hearing aid plastic tubing"

About: East Lothian Community Hospital / Ear, Nose & Throat Lauriston Building / Adult Audiology

(as a service user),

My hearing aid plastic tube snapped 1 week before I went on a 10 day break, I had ordered twice from Lauriston place before break, unfortunately both times wrong tubes sent.

When tube broke I emailed Lauriston again which normally batteries and tubes I got, I was emailed back to say I could only get batteries now. 

I called them told them I need a tube ASAP so I could go on holiday, I was told that I have to make an appointment to see a technician as the rules have changed. They offered me 1st appointment when I was away, so alas I didn't have my aids on holiday which was very frustrating. 

The reason for my complaint is this, who an earth at a top level decide to waste people's time, fuel, carbon emissions, money and lost wages leaving work for a plastic tube, really? Anyone could fit one without using up the already depleted NHS time and money? 

So I hope this reaches the bosses who made this simple job into a chaotic situation. All you need is common sense, I went to Haddington 3 weeks later, the technician was lovely and seems constantly embarrassed with people coming in for tubes, even though they stated that nothing has changed. A simple postage stamp is all that it would cost NHS, I've ploughed a fortune into the system, cost of a stamp is not asking for much in return. 

Thanks.

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Responses

Response from Ann Meldrum, Personal Assistant, Outpatients, Lauriston Building - NHS Lothian 9 months ago
Ann Meldrum
Personal Assistant, Outpatients,
Lauriston Building - NHS Lothian

Submitted on 16/10/2024 at 12:38
Published on Care Opinion at 12:38

Morning Douglas167

I am sorry to read your frustrations regarding access to tubing for your hearing aid. I have passed this complaint over to Mr Feraz Ahmed, Head of Service, Adult Audiology. He has confirmed today

"When a patient requests tubing, it is advised that they are scheduled for a hearing aid servicing appointment. This allows us to check their hearing aids thoroughly and ensure the correct fitting and sizing of tubes and domes. However, if a patient is unable to attend or prefers to have their tubing posted, this is still acceptable. Additionally, as not all patients can replace their own tubing, this policy has been implemented to support the best care for all of our patients"

I hope this helps, noting that you still absolutely can have tubing sent out to you if requested. Mr Ahmed will reconfirm with our colleagues in the booking team to assure them that postal options are still approved.

If you would like to escalate any aspect of your concerns or would like us to check your situation specifically, please contact the patient experience team on loth.feedback@nhs.scot.

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Update posted by Douglas167 (a service user)

Hi thanks for your reply, that's good to hear but unfortunately I wasn't advised I could get them sent out to me, I was told I couldn't get them sent out as your policy had changed?

Both Haddington and Lauriston said no it couldn't and the website said the same? Make an appointment or drop them off, or post them? That was the options given to me?

I'm glad your policy is changed back.

Thanks Douglas167

Response from Ann Meldrum, Personal Assistant, Outpatients, Lauriston Building - NHS Lothian 9 months ago
Ann Meldrum
Personal Assistant, Outpatients,
Lauriston Building - NHS Lothian

Submitted on 16/10/2024 at 14:58
Published on Care Opinion at 14:58

Hi Douglas167

I will take that back to Mr Ahmed and ensure that it's made clear across all platforms, for al patients. Please be aware that this concern will be escalated and discussed at our local senior management team meeting also. I will will forward your feedback on to Mr Ahmed now and he will action accordingly.

I am sorry that there has been so much confusion and that you didn't take your aids on holiday with you due to the confusion. I hope you now have the consumables you need to confidently use your aids, however, please do reach out should you experience any further issues.

Wishing you well.

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