Cochlear Implant Processor upgrades on the NHS

This blog post is mainly for myself to use for future reference but hopefully it will be useful for any parents out the looking for information on the "rules" for when upgrades should be performed.

Map of Medicine - Paediatric cochlear implant - postsurgery
original file: http://hearing.screening.nhs.uk/getdata.php?id=23891
Mirror: https://db.tt/yliGfcxi

Information of use:

"20  Provide device upgrade when appropriate  

Quick info: Provide device upgrade (internal or external) when appropriate:
• cochlear implant centre to review:
           -patient records
           -staffing
           -training; and
           -financial implications
• cochlear implant centre to develop and roll out a plan with manufacturers, that includes:
           -training of staff
           -updating of programming software
           -availability of stocks and spares
           -availability of funds for new processors
• provide appointments for upgrading processors
• follow programming protocol
• provide reports to:
           -local professionals
           -referrer
           -general practitioner; and
           -family
• consider sequential bilateral"

D09/S/a - NHS STANDARD CONTRACT FOR EAR SURGERY: COCHLEAR IMPLANTS (ALL AGES)
original file: http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d09-ear-surg-coch-impl.pdf
http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/d09-ear-surg-coch-0414.pdf
Mirror: https://db.tt/NwAcxYQ7
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ufvkcam53jq0xs0/d09-ear-surg-coch-0414.pdf

Information of use:

"Upgrade or provision of new sound processors on average at 5 yearly intervals, where available, in order to ensure patient access to up to date technology to maximise their hearing performance and subsequently outcome from the intervention."