HL Deb 07 January 2004 vol 657 c50WA
Lord Ashley of Stoke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the prospects of a reduced price in the cost of National Health speech processors for cochlear implants; and[H L546]

Whether they will consider streamlining the number of hospital units in the National Health Service carrying out cochlear implants with a view to cost reduction.[HL547]

Lord Warner

The price of cochlear implants may reduce when implant activity is sufficiently coordinated to allow increased purchasing leverage with suppliers. The configuration of cochlear implant centres is decided by National Health Service commissioners together with their providers; however such decisions will not be solely based on questions of cost but will take into account other matters such as patient access.