Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 28 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, which primary care trusts and health authorities are making available digital hearing aids for (a) children and (b) adults. - Includes figures. (List in Library Dep 02/2326).

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which primary care trusts and health authorities are making available digital hearing aids for (a) children and (b) adults. [82485] Jacqui Smith: In order to access the national health service contract for digital hearing aids, trusts must first have in place the appropriate infrastructure, equipment and training. All 20 sites from the first wave of the modernising hearing aid services project regularly supply digital aids. The number of second wave sites prescribing digital aids will increase each month so that all 30 will be prescribing by the end of March 2003. In addition, the 17 sites announced on 22 November as receiving the necessary information technology equipment will be in a position to prescribe digital aids from April 2003. A list of first wave sites, second wave sites and sites to receive equipment will be placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 82485; 395 c409-10W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Children Disability aids Digital technology Hearing impairment Hearing aids Health authorities NHS Primary care trusts
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk