NHS Shetland is pleased to announce that a new Audiologist has been successfully appointed and will take up their post in the New Year.
Over recent months, the Health Board has carried out multiple recruitment rounds, updating the job description and widening the scope of the role to attract a broader range of candidates seeking career development opportunities. This work, alongside continued investment in modernising audiology equipment, has helped ensure the service remains clinically robust while long-term staffing solutions were secured.
While the recruitment process was ongoing, audiology services continued to be delivered through regular visiting clinics and with valuable support from the RNID, which provides voluntary assistance for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. Demand for on-island appointments has remained high, and patients have been prioritised according to clinical need—particularly children and those referred by ENT specialists.
Lucy Wilson, Head of Medical Imaging & Interim Diagnostics Lead, said: “We are delighted to confirm that our most recent round of interviews has resulted in a successful appointment. The new Audiologist will join us in the New Year, bringing additional stability to our audiology provision and helping us continue to strengthen the service.
“We know how important timely access to hearing care is, and we are committed to improving waiting times as quickly as possible.”
In the meantime, additional visiting audiology cover was carried out throughout late November and is planned for December. The audiology assistant remains available five days a week to support hearing aid repairs, replacements and general advice. Patients can leave hearing aids in a clearly labelled envelope with the repair request at the main reception, where they will be processed promptly.
Individuals currently on the waiting list who have concerns about changes in their hearing are encouraged to contact their GP. This will allow clinical circumstances to be reviewed and, where appropriate, referrals to be re-prioritised.
Read more about the service on our website here - Audiology – NHS Shetland