HC Deb 16 December 1948 vol 459 c183W
Mr. Gunter

asked the Minister of Health why no deaf aids have yet been received at the Southend-on-Sea hospital; and when is it anticipated that supplies will be available for distribution.

Mr. Bevan

The hearing aid diagnostic clinic at the Southend-on-Sea General Hospital will be brought into operation as soon as the supply of aids permits, but I regret that I cannot say when that will be. It is not at present proposed to establish a distribution centre there.

Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health whether he will publish the list of hospitals in Wales where patients may be examined for obtaining a hearing-aid and the list of distributing centres at which these aids will be available and from what date.

Mr. Bevan

A diagnostic clinic for hearing aids is in operation at the Wrexham War Memorial Hospital, and this hospital is also a distribution centre. The Cardiff Royal Infirmary is expected to be able to provide a diagnostic clinic and distribution centre in about three weeks time. Additional diagnostic clinics are to be established at the Swansea General and Eye Hospital on 20th December and, later, at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.