BUSK, The Present.

Recently BUSK met with the Ear Foundation. http://www.earfoundation.org.uk/index.php

This charity has been in existence since 1989 and has worked over the years developing educational resources and publications for those who have, and are to have, Cochlear Implants. As well as carrying out research into the benefits of the Cochlear Implant and promoting awareness of this hearing system

They recently had success when they presented their results of their hard work to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the Government body which guides the NHS as to what treatments should be made available. The Cochlear Implant is now more readily available to those who meet the now extended criteria set down in the guidelines put out by NICE.

The Ear Foundation approached BUSK because they would like to develop educational resources and publications for those with bone conduction systems, such as the Baha. We each have much experience which when brought together can only have a huge benefit to all those who currently, and in the future will, have implanted bone conduction systems.

BUSK itself is run by a small number of volunteers on the committee. The majority are those who use implanted bone conduction systems, while others have an interest via a family member or  currently as is the case with one, she is a specialist ENT theatre nurse and works closely with ENT Surgeon Mr. James Fairley.

Firmly Anchored goes out quarterly to our members, offering information, articles of interest and links to other volunteers round the country.

We currently have three patrons.

Damian Green. MP. The local MP to Ashford who has taken an interest in the needs of the Baha user and the funding issues affecting us.

Anne Bewick. A lady local to Ashford who kindly became a Patron after her late husband, Brian, An Ashford Rotarian, took an interest in our work and helped raise our profile locally. Through him the Rotary Club also raised money for us to help us in our work.

She herself has arranged various events to help raise money for BUSK, for which we are very grateful.

Michael Claughton. A local Councillor, who’s son has hearing loss, and has shown an interest in our work.