To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for (a) fitting of new digital hearing aids and (b) upgrade of digital hearing aids from analogue hearing aids in (i) Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust area and (ii) all NHS trusts; and if she will make a statement. (114671)

A national action plan for audiology will be published soon. The action plan will be aimed at improving access, service delivery and waiting times through the development of a sustainable service model for the service. Implementation of the action plan and its recommendations will be the responsibility of local services. This includes Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust.

In addition to the development of the action plan, the Department has also announced the procurement of up to 300,000 audiology pathways from the independent sector to provide assessment, fitting and follow up.

Both of these measures will assist in significantly reducing waiting times and will greatly benefit those who receive hearing aids.