SHORTER WAITS FOR HEARING AIDS VITAL
The concerns of NHS patients waiting for a new hearing aid have been raised with Government Ministers by Helen.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Helen spoke of the importance of ensuring the most up-to-date technology is available to patients across the country. You can read the exchange here.
She said, “Many people who now have digital hearing aid find that their quality of life and that of their families improves dramatically.
“Unfortunately, while some patients have access to the services they need without delay, others have to wait for too long.
“I pressed this point with the Minister and asked why hearing aids are not subject to the waiting time targets that apply to other health care provision.”
In response, the Minister stated that the NHS aims to deliver audiology diagnostic tests within 13 weeks by March 2007, and within six weeks by December 2008. Helen welcomed this improvement.
The Government wants patients to be referred directly by GPs to audiology departments, not to consultants. It is working with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People to produce an action plan to improve waiting times across the country.
Filed under: Uncategorized on July 18th, 2006
