The Health and Social Care Portfolio has announced the initial use of funding from the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) fund, aimed at improving audiology services on St Helena. This funding is intended to enhance hearing care through a comprehensive upgrade of the island's audiology services.
The investment will introduce advanced diagnostic tools, such as digital audiometers and tympanometry devices. These tools are expected to facilitate more accurate hearing assessments and the creation of better-fitting hearing aids. Additionally, partnerships have been established with the Hearing Aid Supplies and Services (HASS) Group and Phonak to support service delivery and training.
Community Nurse Kamella Buckley has commenced training in audiology. Upon qualification, she will perform diagnostic assessments, handle hearing aid fittings, and provide maintenance services, which will decrease reliance on visiting audiologists. This is expected to lead to a self-sustaining local hearing care service by 2026.
Minister Martin Henry commented, "This investment from the BIOT fund represents a major step forward in ensuring accessible and high-quality hearing care for our community. Many residents have been waiting for interventions for an extended period, and with this extra funding, we can now provide life-changing support, restoring hearing function and preventing further health deterioration."
The initiative has already begun its first phase, addressing urgent cases with assessments and fittings. The upgrade will replace outdated paper-based methods with digital audiograms to help prioritize future visits.
Photos provided showcase Marinda Uys of the visiting audiology team demonstrating the new equipment and Community Nurse Kamella Buckley testing the devices.
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