§ 30. Mr. Severasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to reduce the length of time patients wait for the issue of hearing aids in Birmingham.
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§ Mr. Patrick JenkinWaiting times in the audiology service in Birmingham are longer than I would wish but, as the hon. Member will be aware, the West Birmingham health district is currently considering what measures are necessary to reduce them. I am happy to say that the West Midlands regional health authority recently allocated an additional £22,000 to the Birmingham audiology service.
I am examining the possibility of using the resources of the private sector to reduce waiting times and generally to provide a more comprehensive and local service.