Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what information his Department collects in respect of waiting times for audiology services; which NHS trusts have entered into partnership agreements with private hearing aid dispensers for (a) 2003-04 and (b) 2004-05.

Answer: Mr. Chope: To 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. Ladyman: The 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 416 c849W;416 c847W; 147751;147752
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Hearing impairment Health services Hearing aids Private sector NHS Waiting lists
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk