§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) digital and (b) analogue hearing aids have been fitted under the NHS in the pilot areas for the modernisation of hearing services project since its inception. [152419]
§ Mr. HuttonThe modernising hearing aid services project has been fitting hearing aids since the first sites came on stream in September 2000. So far, the following number of hearing aids have been fitted
Digital: 1,191 digital aids fitted up to Thursday 1 March 2001Analogue: 2,452 analogue hearing aids supplied through the NHS Logistics Authority up to Thursday 1 March 2001.This number does not take account of purchases made outside of the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency contracts.
The numbers fitted will increase a; the number of sites increase and as sites become mote experienced. The intention is to fit between 24,000 and 29,000 digital aids during the lifetime of the project, which is due to finish at the end of March 2002.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health from what date Coventry NHS trust will be included in the modernising NHS hearing aid services project. [153296]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department will study the results of the modernising National Health Service hearing aid services pilot project when it reports. The project is planned to continue until 2002.
In line with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal guidelines, health officials in Coventry are awaiting completion of the research projects. In the meantime, hospitals which fall outside the project, with the appropriate staff, training, equipment and experience, are already able to access the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency contract for digital hearing aids.
Various manufacturers have been invited to give talks on hearing aid digital technology in Coventry and, in addition, a practical training day for staff has been arranged for May 2001.