Stunell steps up fight to slash hearing aid waiting lists

8.39.58am GMT Fri 23rd Feb 2007

Last week, local MP Andrew Stunell met the Chief Executive of Stockport's Primary Care Trust to demand drastic cuts to the unacceptably long waiting list for digital hearing aids in Stockport.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Stunell said:

"Thousands of local residents have had to wait an outrageously long time for a digital hearing aid, often over two years. Digital hearing aids can improve the quality of life for thousands of hearing impaired people and their families in Stockport.

"Stockport Primary Care Trust still has over 3,500 people on their waiting list, but the Chief Executive has promised me that he will take radical steps to slash the list so that this time next year no one now waiting will be left on the list.

"I am delighted that the PCT is finally taking the drastic action needed to give Stockport people the hearing aid service they need and deserve.

"It should be as easy to get a decent hearing aid as a decent pair of glasses. If you can walk into a high street optician and get a pair of glasses in two hours, it really should not take two years to get a hearing aid."

The delays still affect hundreds of local families. For example, Dr Brunn's mother was referred to the Stepping Hill Audiology Department in January, only to be told that she would have to wait 12 months just for an initial assessment. Dr Brunn commented:

"We were shocked that my mother would have to wait a year just to be assessed for a hearing aid. This delay for a routine condition is causing her considerable inconvenience." ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. For a fuller quote from Dr Brunn, please email paul.brunn@manchester.ac.uk .

2. For more details about the issue, please call Andrew Stunell MP on 0207 2195223.