09.07.14
Monitor to examine NHS hearing loss services
People affected by hearing loss are being asked about their experience of using NHS services, as part of a review by Monitor.
The healthcare regulator, through an online survey, particularly wants to find out whether patients offered a choice of hearing aids and tests are better served than those who are not given a choice.
It is thought that around 500,000 over-55s in England who suffer from hearing loss and use the relevant NHS services are able to choose between different providers. This is because across half of England their local commissioners have taken out contracts with multiple providers, including some independent sector organisations as well as NHS bodies. The arrangements are said to cost the NHS about £200m a year.
After teaming up with several charities, including Action on Hearing Loss, Monitor wants to find out whether more choice leads to a better quality of services and care for patients. Roger Wicks, director of policy and campaigns at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Since any qualified provider was rolled out, there have been concerns about the quality and choice of hearing loss services on offer, hence our campaigning for it to be properly monitored and evaluated.
“We’d strongly encourage individuals, GP, commissioners and providers to share their experiences so improvements can be made to offer people the services they expect, deserve and need.”
Those taking part in the poll have been asked to fill in an online survey, which includes questions on patient experiences of using NHS services, whether they had a choice of providers, and whether they would prefer more choice.
Catherine Davies, executive director of co-operation and competition at Monitor, said: “We want to know what they think of the services they receive. Many people are able to choose where they get hearing tests from, and also hearing aids if they need them.
She added that the Monitor survey will enable the regulator to help local commissioners learn more about what their patients want, and how to deliver it.
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