Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Audiology Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

491 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for elderly persons who are awaiting the fitting of hearing aids in each of the health boards areas; the numbers on the waiting lists for hearing aids in each of the health board areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12042/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of community audiology services is a matter in the first instance for the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and the health boards.

The chief executive officer of the Northern Area Health Board has informed me that the number of adults awaiting the fitting of hearing aids is as follows:

Health Board	Adults awaiting the fitting of hearing aids as at 1 May 2003
ERHA: East Coast Area Health BoardNorthern Area Health BoardSouth-Western Area Health Board	116289149
Midland Health Board	138
Mid-Western Health Board	260
North-Eastern Health Board	304
North-Western Health Board	147
South-Eastern Health Board	191
Southern Health Board	154
Western Health Board	169

The Deputy should note that the information collated does not distinguish between age groups within the adult population. I have also been informed that the average waiting time for the fitting of hearing aids is between four and 16 weeks.

The service is being closely monitored by the general managers responsible for the community audiology service to ensure that services are at a satisfactory level and to identify early any gaps in services that may emerge. Since 2000, my Department has provided additional funding of €2.131 million for a range of developments in the service such as a pilot project on the provision of digital hearing aids and a sponsorship programme for the training of clinical staff for the community audiology service. Furthermore, my Department is engaged with staff associations at the Health Service Employers Agency, HSEA, on a restructuring of both the audiological scientist and audiologist grades. This restructuring is expected to benefit the users of the community audiology service and address any issues of recruitment and retention of trained clinical staff.