§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the new hearing aids to be available; and what waiting period will apply to patients.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 9th July 1973. The intention is to begin issuing the new aids in the autumn of next year. The operation will take five years, and patients will be dealt with according to a list of priorities; the waiting time for an individual will depend upon the priority accorded to his circumstances—[Vol. 859, c. 1035–42.]
§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many trained otologists are employed by the NHS; and whether he can estimate the number employed outside the NHS;
(2) if he will permit privately registered audiologists to participate in the NHS scheme for the supply of hearing aids;
(3) what representations on the supply of hearing aids he has received from the British Hearing Aid Industry Association and the Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists since 9th July, 1973; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what he estimates would be the cost of enabling privately registered audiologists to be enabled to participate in the NHS scheme for the supply of hearing aids;
(5) if he will make a statement concerning the staffing position in hospital hearing-aid departments;
(6) what steps he is taking to increase the number of staff in hospital hearing-aid departments, bearing in mind the recent decision to issue new behind-the- ear hearing aids through the hospital service.
§ Mr. AlisonI accept that audiology services will need to be expanded, and discussions with hospital authorities are 621W in progress. As regards the private sector and the representations which I have received, I am sending the hon. Member a detailed statement of the position. The latest figure for ENT consultants in the National Health Service in England was 270 (whole-time equivalent) but no figures are available to distinguish those who specialise exclusively in otology or those wholly in private practice.
§ Mr. Topeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements he will make for privately-supplied hearing aids to be serviced under the NHS scheme.
§ Mr. AlisonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 17th October.—[Vol. 861, c.246.]
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of Medresco hearing aids issued to new patients in England and Wales for each year since 1968.
§ Mr. AlisonThe number of Medresco hearing aids issued to new patients in England and Wales is as follows:
1968 64,465 1969 67,928 1970 67,161 1971 67,741 1972 72,003