Audiology spotlight: Harrogate
Before we start talking about your practice, can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming an Audiology Partner at Specsavers?
I joined Specsavers Harrogate six years ago and after a year I was enrolled onto the Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) course at DMU. Towards the end of my course our Hearing Aid Dispensing manager relocated, so the opportunity and position arose to go into this role. After careful consideration, I felt this was the right direction for me.
After six months of qualifying and managing the business, I spoke to the partners about going onto Pathway to further my knowledge and understanding of the business. On Pathway I decided to do my project on optical dispenses, as I strongly believe in one fully-integrated business between audiology and optics. For the project, I won an award at my graduation but, more importantly, I believe it helped strengthen my relationships in store. I bought into the audiology business in Harrogate just under two years ago and I haven’t looked back since.
How would you describe the team in your audiology business?
We have an amazing young and energetic team here in Harrogate. Across our spokes, there are currently six in our team with two more just about to start training to become Hearing Care Assistant’s. We work and play as a team and organise plenty of teambuilding trips out of store.
How have you supported the career development of audiologists in your business?
Since starting, I have had a member of the team start and complete the Hearing Aid Dispensing course, five students complete HCA and another two enrol onto the HCA course. I will be enrolling two of our existing HCA’s on the HAD course this summer. Our HAD we trained in house has gone on to become our clinical lead and has also completed a wax removal course. Our audiologist who recently joined the team will also be become wax removal accredited.
How is your store driving forward audiology in your local community?
We work with Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and communicate with local GP’s in order to provide training on the services we offer.
How would you describe the patient base of your business?
All of our stores are located within affluent towns in North Yorkshire and 75% of the stores are private, with a healthy mix of private and NHS in the remaining store.
What clinical and technological advances has your business introduced?
We were a pilot store for Audio Pad and helped provide training to other stores when the technology launched nationally. We ensure we are using the most updated equipment and continually look for new ways to improve our services. We also attend all product and professional workshops available to us.
Describe the culture of your Specsavers business in three words:
Engaged, forward-thinking and welcoming.
What advice would you give an audiologist looking to join Specsavers?
You heard it here first guys, not only does it sound good and we know you’ve H.A.D other jobs before but hear this, not to drum it up but ear you’ll Marvel at this opportunity of a life time.
Finally, what does your business have planned for the future?
World domination (within Audiology) but to achieve this, we will continue to grow the business year-on-year in market share, sales and team!
To discover more about the varied and rewarding world of audiology partnership and discuss your options for 2019: