§ Lord McColl of Dulwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the process by which hearing aids are bought in the National Health Service; what is their cost; what is the nature of the contract and arrangements for repairs and accompanying guarantees; from which companies they are bought; and what happens to the rejects.
§ Baroness CumberlegeHearing aids are purchased in England by the National Hearing Aids Purchasing Centre. The centre consults its customers (audiology centres) through a Commodity Advisory Group which:
- (a) decides the specifications of the hearing aid models which form the National Health Service range and
- (b) is involved in deciding to whom contracts are awarded.
Audiology centres also purchase commercially-available hearing aids locally on an independent basis.
The cost to the NHS of hearing aids purchased in England in 1992–93 was approximately £19 million.
Hearing aids are purchased under a national contract on a sale or return basis and there are also contracts under which suppliers repair or re-manufacture hearing aids that have failed in use.
5WAIt has been the practice to purchase most models without a guarantee because it has been more cost effective to purchase in this way. This method is currently under review.
NHS hearing aids are supplied by:
- A & M Hearing Ltd., Crawley, West Sussex.
- G N Danavox (GB) Ltd., Northampton, Northants.
- Lavis Medical Systems Ltd., Bradworthy, Devon.
- Acticon Ltd., Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
- Starkey Laboratories Ltd., Stockport, Cheshire.
Rejects are retained in audiology centres until recalled by the national Hearing Aid Purchasing Centre, at which time they are returned to suppliers for inspection and replacement free of charge.
A detailed review of the purchasing and supply process in England is being carried out to identify and address any deficiencies in the service and a new purchasing strategy is due to be implemented by 1st April 1994.
The health service in Wales and Northern Ireland uses the purchasing and distribution services of the National Hearing Aid Purchasing Centre. In Scotland these functions are the responsibility of regional health boards and authorities.