§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what improvements he expects choice in the NHS will have for deaf people(a) in arranging an appointment and (b) in communicating with their doctor. [147696]
§ Dr. Ladyman"Building on the Best: Choice", Responsiveness and Equity in the NHS draws out the main themes that emerged from our recent consultation on what changes would do most to improve the experience of health care for patients, users and carers. Building on the Best confirms that the commitment in the NHS Plan for a national interpreting and translation service has been initiated by NHS Direct. The interpretation component will include a requirement to provide services for people who use British Sign Language. Over time, this contract will be available to help deaf people arrange appointments and communicate with their doctors.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what information his Department collects in respect of waiting times for audiology services; [147751]
(2) which NHS trusts have entered into partnership agreements with private hearing aid dispensers for (a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05. [147752]
§ Dr. LadymanThe Department does not collect centrally information about waiting times for non-consultant led specialities such as audiology, nor about contracts entered into by local services.
The national framework agreement awarded to David Ormerod Hearing Centres and Ultravox Holdings plc in October 2003 will provide a service to patients on the same basis as the national health service, which remains responsible for the patients' care. It has so far involved sites in Shrewsbury, Leeds, Bradford, Bath, Bournemouth and East Cheshire. This partnership agreement is now being rolled out nationally.