Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ85808

Health boards are responsible for the provision of health services in their local area and work with NHS Trusts, local authorities, the third sector and others to assess the needs of the local population, and plan their healthcare provision accordingly within the resources available. Health boards and local authorities publish joint needs assessments, with Regional Partnership Board population needs assessments. Analysis of these is used to inform their 3-year local health, social care and well-being plans. These plans will include strategies for audiology services. This could include commissioning independent services from contractors if deemed appropriate.

The current position of Wales audiology service provision is very strong and has evolved considerably in recent years since the publication of the Framework of Action for D/deaf and those people living with hearing loss or hearing impairment. As we continue to transform services and integrate audiology within the 60 local Primary Care Clusters across Wales, audiology services will increasingly provide more local pathways and increased access.

Wales audiology services are well-regarded by the wider UK Governments and audiology health professionals. In particular, the quality standards and associated audits are considered robust and vital to ensure high quality of standards of care, value for money, and continuity of patient care in NHS Wales.

However, the Welsh Government is always open to consider new ways of working, in the best interests of its citizens and regularly meets with independent contractors to ensure NHS Wales patients receive the best possible care available.