Advanced Audiology Practitioner Service
Counties Manukau

The Counties Manukau Audiology team led by Dr Renee Hislop (Clinical Leader) and Dr Michelle Pokorny (Advanced Audiologist) and also including Nitasha Chand-Prasad, Amber McClelland and Lisa Burr has implemented an innovative and novel Advanced Audiology Practitioner (AAP) service 

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The Advanced Audiology Practitioner (AAP) service has a One Stop Shop model which has reduced unnecessary ENT referrals, shortened waitlists, and ensured earlier diagnosis and treatment for common childhood conditions such as otitis media. For patients and whānau, this has meant fewer hospital visits, quicker reassurance, and more equitable access to care, particularly for Māori and Pacific families who face multiple barriers to specialist services (Pokorny, M.A., Hislop, R.A., Johnston, J., Wong, J. and Mahadevan, M. (2025), Audiology-led model provides efficient and effective access to grommet surgery. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 55: 596-610.   https://doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2024.2344773).

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The Advanced Audiology Practitioner (AAP) service has been designed with equity at its heart. Recognising that Māori and Pacific children experience higher rates of ear disease yet face greater barriers to specialist services, the AAP model delivers care as a streamlined One Stop Shop with successful outreach to communities that have shown more barriers to attendance for Māori and Pacific whanau.

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Beyond clinical expertise, the AAP team demonstrate deep respect for the spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs of patients and whānau. Care is provided in partnership with families, using clear, compassionate communication and recognising whānau as central to decision-making. At community hauora days, for example, the AAP has engaged directly with families in culturally safe spaces, listening to their concerns and tailoring information in ways that resonate with their values and lived experiences.

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