THE audiology department at the Morecambe Bay hospitals trust has gained national recognition for ‘excellence’.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust (UHMBT) has become the latest organisation to be accredited under the Royal College of Physicians’ for audiology - or hearing - services for both adult and paediatric patients.

“I am delighted,” said Samantha Riding, clinical service manager for audiology at the trust.

“This demonstrates the hard work and dedication of the audiology team.

“The accreditation will demonstrate to patients and commissioners that we provide a quality service, which is extremely important now that patients can choose their NHS hearing aid provider.”

The accreditation involves assessment against a standard that has been set by an expert group of over 80 healthcare scientists, doctors and other professionals.

All are involved in physiological science services and have carried out extensive piloting and consultation.

The accreditation has come as part of the Improving Quality in Physiological Diagnostic Services programme, run by the Royal College of Physicians, and granted by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Paul Stennett, UKAS chief executive, said the achievement will give both patients and clinicians confidence in the quality of service.

And Jackie Daniel, chief executive of the trust, said she was ‘very pleased’ with the result.

“I would like to congratulate each of the team for their hard work in achieving this recognition,” she added.