Flora KayMAud (Hons), MNZAS CCC
Audiologist - Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - Hawke's Bay Flora is an audiologist and the Manager of Audiology and Newborn Hearing Screening at Health New Zealand, Te Matau a Māui, Hawkes Bay. With nearly 20 years of experience, Flora has a strong clinical background in paediatrics and public health. She is deeply committed to advancing equity in healthcare access and outcomes. Flora continues to lead service development and innovation with a focus on improving early detection of hearing loss and intervention across diverse communities.
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Fast-Tracking the OME Pathway: Improving Timely Access to ENT Surgery for Grommets
Persistent Middle ear effusion (OME) is a common cause of hearing loss in children, and can often require surgical intervention. In 2023 at Health New Zealand, Te Matau a Māui, Hawkes Bay, a review of our existing OME referral pathway identified significant delays leading to many children experiencing extended waits before surgery. In response, we implemented a redesigned pathway utilising the skills of Ear Nurse Specialists and Audiologists which allowed children to be assessed and when appropriate listed for surgery. Early outcomes have shown a marked reduction in wait times, though the clinical results remain variable. This presentation explores the development, implementation and lessons learned from introducing this collaborative model of care.
