Two college nurses who created a hearing check service for young people with autism and/or learning disabilities have been shortlisted for one of the nursing profession’s top accolades.
Nurses Kelly Griffiths and Phoebe Irvine-Shuter, who work at specialist further education college, Derwen College, in Gobowen, near Oswestry, have been named finalists in the Learning Disability Nursing category of the RCN Nursing Awards 2023.
Derwen College’s nursing team – Phoebe, Karen and Kelly
Nursing team takes the initiative
Young people with learning disabilities, or who are autistic, do not always have access to regular hearing checks. Or they do not have the support needed to take these tests in a comfortable environment with adequate explanation and understanding of procedures.
This prompted the Derwen College nursing team to join a pilot study on hearing checks in education. Working with an audiologist, an NHS intensive health outreach team and a GP, they were provided with hearing test equipment and given training to offer checks.
Nurses ensured students and their families received information about the project in easy-to-understand formats that suited their learning styles. They also explained procedures to students as they happened, allowing them to see inside their own ears, which many students found fascinating.
A hearing test at Derwen College
Highly significant results
The results were hugely significant. Out of 32 eligible students, 47% were identified as needing further medical intervention, including ear wax removal, ear infection treatment, or referral to specialists.
Two students have since been advised a hearing aid would benefit them. All the cases where significant issues were present would not have been picked up without these checks.
Problem of undiagnosed ear pain and hearing troubles
Derwen College Director of Care, Health and Wellbeing, Karen George, said: “Undiagnosed ear pain and hearing troubles can lead to frustration and changes in behaviour, which can impact attendance, education and concentration during sessions, as well as relationships.
“To be recognised in these awards as a vital keystone to students’ health, well-being and learning is a wonderful thank you to us, but also to everyone that we collaborate with on a daily basis.’
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday 10 November at Liverpool Cathedral.
Click here to visit Derwen College’s website
