Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Warner (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2006.

Health: Audiology

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What consultations they held with professional bodies and representatives of patient groups before setting up the independent sector programme for audiology services.

Answer: The procurement of extra audiology capacity by the National Health Service will be a key part of the action plan to deal with unacceptably long waits for adult hearing services in the context of the 18-week target. This follows concerns expressed over many months by representatives of patient groups and professional bodies about shortages in NHScommissioned capacity. The action plan will be informed by the views of a broad range of stakeholders including professional bodies and representatives of patient groups, and will I hope command broad support. A working group has been established to develop proposals, although for reasons of size has not been designed to be representative of the various groups. A forum will be held before publication to ensure that stakeholder groups and others have an opportunity to consider possible proposals and contribute their views. In the mean time, we have already had submissions from a number of professional organisations, and others are welcome to write with theirs. Whether or not there is formal consultation on the action plan or elements of it will depend on the nature of the measures.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 473; 687 c244WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Hearing impairment Health services Private sector NHS Procurement Public participation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk