Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Friday, 27 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action he is taking to recruit more staff into audiology services. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to recruit more staff into audiology services. [160072] Mr. Hutton: There are currently around 1,400 audiologists, 300 audiological scientists and 120 hearing therapists working in the National Health Service. The Department of Health is working with the National Advisory Group for Scientists and Technicians on a number of initiatives that will help try to improve recruitment and retention of staff into audiology services. The "Modernising NHS hearing aid services" project will examine all the issues, including staff numbers, involved in modernisation of audiological services. Having the correct balance of staff numbers and grades is one of the keys to developing an effective and modern service.

Secondary information