Chair appointed to audiology review group

Professor Jacqueline Taylor has been appointed as the chair of a National Audiology Review Group.

The former NHS Clinical Director and Associate Medical Director will oversee the review of  hearing services provided to both children and adults in Health Boards across Scotland.

It comes after a report published in December 2021 outlined a series of errors in the treatment provided to children by Paediatric Audiology in NHS Lothian. The group will provide recommendations for a national plan for the service.

Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf said: "I would like to thank  Professor Taylor for agreeing to take on this important role which will help shape the future of audiology services in Scotland moving forward.

"Professor Taylor is one of the most respected medical figures in Scotland and I know that she will provide the necessary leadership and oversight for this vital work.

"I am determined that our hearing services are fit for purpose in Scotland following the unacceptable failures in NHS Lothian which came to light last year and this group will help identify any wider issues and areas for improvement."

Professor Taylor said: "I look forward to working with this group over the coming months.

"We expect to engage with the widest range of professionals and stakeholders in this area, identifying any gaps in provision but also learning from good practice.

“NHS Scotland provides some of the best healthcare treatment in the world, but where issues emerge it is important to understand what went wrong and how this can be rectified."

Background

The remit of the review, its full membership and timetable for reporting is now being finalised with the Chair.

Professor Jacqueline Taylor MB ChB, FRCP (Glasg) Hon FRCPI, Hon FFPHM, DSc, Hon FRCS CSSL, Hon FRCS RCS Eng, graduated from the University of Glasgow medical school, trained and dually accredited in General Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine and was appointed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1997. She has been Clinical Director, Associate Medical Director and Clinical Quality Lead for Geriatric Medicine.

Professor Taylor is an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and was awarded an Honorary Professorship of University of Glasgow in 2018. As President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow she led the College through the COVID 19 pandemic. Professor Taylor has a particular interest in training and education of healthcare professionals and delivery of multidisciplinary services.