Independent reviewer selected to lead review of WCHN cochlear implant program
03 May 2023
An external review commissioned in March by the State Government into the cochlear implant program at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is now underway, after it was found a number of chidren had potential issues with implant mapping.
Principal Consultant Amanda Singleton has been selected to lead the external review, along with three clinical experts, all based in Victoria, all to understand how and why the mapping issues occurred.
The independent external review will also look at the systems and processes that were, or were not, in place at the time; the notification and disclosure process following the discovery of the error; understanding what system changes have been and could be implemented to stop the issue happening again; and any opportunities for clinical governance or reform.
The review team will have access to all relevant material required to review the cochlear implant program, including reviews already undertaken including remediation strategies. South Australians will have until 30 June to contribute to the external review, with the final report to be made public.
South Australians who are interested in contributing to the review can email Health.DHWClinicalGovernanceEnquiries@sa.gov.au.
The external review team will comprise of the following representatives:
- Amanda Singleton, Principal Consultant — Lead reviewer
- A/Prof Tom Connell, Chief Medical Officer Royal Children’s Hospital — Reviewer
- A/Prof Ann Maree Keenan, Consultant — Reviewer
- Dr Jaime Leigh, Eye and Ear Hospital – Senior Clinician, Cochlear Implant Clinic & Clinical Lead, Victorian Cochlear Implant Program — Clinical expert
Last year, staff at the South Australian Paediatric Cochlear Implant Program at the Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN) were notified of the issue and began an immediate internal review of their current and former patients.
During the first phase of a review, WCHN identified that of the 117 children currently in the program, approximately 30 had potential issues with implant mapping.
WCHN has since expanded their internal review to also include children who have been a part of the program as far back as 2006, are currently aged under 18, but who have since left the program. If your child is under 18 and has been a part of this program, and you have not yet been contacted, please call 0481 483 586.
Quotes attributable to SA Health Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Lawrence
We need to learn exactly how and why this issue occurred to ensure it is not repeated in the future.
It’s important that the families affected have their voices heard and the opportunity to contribute to this review.
I welcome the outcome of the review and will take all recommendations seriously and into consideration moving forward.
Quotes attributable to WCHN Chief Executive Officer, Lindsey Gough
We welcome the independent review into our cochlear implant program and will support the review team in any capacity required.
It’s important to our health network and all of our staff that this does not occur again in the future.
Quotes attributable to Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Divisional Director of Surgery (Medical), Dr Sonja Latzel
Our audiology team always strive to provide the best care and support for children with hearing loss and continue to work with all impacted patients and their families.