§ Mr. HepburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) digital and (b) analogue hearing aids are fitted in the NHS. [32092]
§ Jacqui SmithFigures on total numbers of hearing aids purchased by the national health service are not collected centrally. However, figures are collected in respect of the modernising hearing aid services project. To the end of January 2002, 22,346 digital and 1,243 analogue aids were fitted to adults by the 20 hospitals involved in the project.
§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts will provide digital hearing aids following the Government announcement on 24 December 2001; and if he will make a statement. [36388]
§ Jacqui SmithWe have invited expressions of interest by 1 March 2002 from all health communities not yet involved in the modernising hearing aid services project. We will make decisions shortly about which sites will be included.