HC Deb 18 May 2004 vol 421 cc960-1W
David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to address the problems experienced by deaf or hard of hearing patients who miss NHS appointments due to poor communication; [170969]

(2) what plans there are to introduce (a) loop systems for hearing aid users and (b) visual displays in (i) reception areas and (ii) consulting rooms in general practitioner surgeries. [170970]

Dr. Ladyman

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, North (Helen Jones) on 10 May 2004,Official Report, column 163W.