Media Statement from Professor Ian Lewis, Medical Director

We regret that we have become aware of a number of patients whose hearing loss had been previously undetected despite testing. Alder Hey has taken this incident very seriously and immediately launched a full internal investigation. We have identified that all patients were assessed by a single doctor and have referred the doctor to the General Medical Council. The doctor is no longer working at the Trust.

As a result of a review of patient records, we have identified additional patients assessed by the doctor and who may require further testing. The majority of patients seen by the doctor have also been assessed by other members of our Audiology Team and as a consequence we believe that the risk of misdiagnosis is low. We are currently in the process of contacting all relevant patients and their families.

I would like to apologise on behalf of Alder Hey for any distress caused to patients and families but would like to reassure them we will do everything possible to deal with this as quickly as possible in order to ensure their health. Any lessons that can be learnt from this incident will also be implemented immediately.

The Trust has set up a dedicated helpline for families/patients who may be concerned. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence. The helpline number is 0151 252 5913 and 0151 252 5316.

Helpline Opening Times

Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^th January: 8.30am - 8.00pm

Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd January: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Monday 23^rd – Friday 27^th January: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th January: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Thereafter Monday – Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

For more information please contact: Rebecca Poole, Media Relations Specialist 0151 293 3502

Editor’s Notes

Alder Hey has an excellent clinical record and the quality of our care is externally evaluated. Our performance is monitored rigorously by many independent regulatory bodies including the Care Quality Commission, the NHS Litigation Authority and Monitor. The Trust has also been awarded NHSLA Level 3, the highest possible accreditation rating for clinical risk management by the NHS Litigation Authority.

These external assessments give us independent assurance of the robustness of our internal systems and processes. We are however undertaking a full through review in order that we can identify any areas for further improvement in relation to our patient care.

Alder Hey’s Audiology Service

Alder Hey’s Audiology Department is one of the largest in NW England and carries out hearing tests on children from Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and some from the wider area. The service also sees children who are receiving tertiary care at Alder Hey, particularly children under the renal, cystic fibrosis and oncology teams.

The service is multi–disciplinary and provides audiometry support for the ENT Department. However its main specialty is the detection and ongoing management of deafness in children, from birth to 19 years.

The Department participates fully in the Newborn Hearing Screening Quality Assurance Program and has consistently attained well above average scores in the last three assessments.

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