See Hear: A strategic framework for meeting the needs of people with a sensory impairment in Scotland

8. Summary of recommendations

8.1. An audit should be undertaken of all current spend on sensory impairment, including that relating to carers, across statutory Health and Social Care and third sector agencies, in relation to specialist provision and also to those elements of other service provision that impact on people with a sensory impairment. In the light of the findings, consideration should be given to options for realignment of spend as appropriate.

8.2. Local partnerships should consider options for the introduction of basic sensory screening for people at an agreed age, and at agreed times in their care pathway.

8.3. There should be mandatory training in sensory awareness and assessing for non complex needs across staff in health and social care settings, targeted in the first instance on older people's services.

8.4. Local partnerships (in this instance local statutory social and health care agencies, and key third sector agencies) should

• be able to evidence that their service planning reflects the need in their area
• develop care pathways for people with a sensory impairment, which confirm the component parts of the individual's journey. In so doing they should assess performance against the care pathway, and the key factors for effective pathways outlined earlier, use this as the basis for service improvement, and identify the relevant responsibilities across agencies for the delivery of this
• develop accessible local information strategies to include preventative measures and good self care in retaining sensory health, but also providing information on how to access services.

8.5. There should be robust systems for maintaining information locally, and sharing this between agencies, in relation to people who have received a diagnosis of a sensory impairment at any time from birth onwards.

8.6. Compliance with the Equality Act 2010 should be scrutinised in relation to sensory impairment, particularly in relation to communication, and consideration given as to whether any future action may be required.