HC Deb 11 June 2003 vol 406 cc956-7W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress since 1st January on making digital hearing aids more widely available in Northern Ireland. [115924]

Mr. Browne

Digital hearing aids (DHAs) are to be introduced, on a phased basis, from September this year. Trusts with audiology departments have started to recruit additional audiologists and to install specialist testing equipment needed to support the introduction of DHAs. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has established a small working group that includes head audiologists, a consultant ENT surgeon and the Northern Ireland Director of RNID to develop guidance on candidacy for the new aids and to oversee introduction.

Lady Hermon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the criteria for the allocation of NHS digital hearing aids in Northern Ireland. [116367]

Mr. Browne

Digital hearing aids are to be introduced, on a phased basis, from September this year. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has established a small working group that includes head audiologists, a consultant ENT surgeon and the Northern Ireland Director of RNID to develop guidance on candidacy for the new aids and oversee introduction of digital hearing aids. Draft guidance has been issued for consultation and it is expected that final guidance will issue before the summer.