Written question WQ93385

Welsh Government is committed to improving health care services in Wales, and improving provision for individuals with hearing loss is a priority.

The strategic direction to extend audiology services into primary care will facilitate activity transfer from ENT, in line with the Clinical Implementation Networks, and provide joined up care in co-production with audiologists, ENT consultants, Audiovestibular Physicians and radiologists.

The transformation of audiology, including the development of direct access to primary care Advanced Audiology Practitioners, is aligned with the audiology workforce gaining additional higher qualifications which enables them to diagnose, manage and treat more patients in primary care. These changes are already freeing up time and resources for GPs and consultants enable individuals to have their needs met at first point of contact without the need to contact their GP.

As we continue to develop the future approach for hearing services, policy will be developed in collaboration with all stakeholders to help implement improved access to hearing care.

We are also looking at ways of using technology to improve access. Work is underway to establish a national solution, but in the meantime all services have tools in place to support patient timely access to services.