GRAHAME SEES RED OVER AUDIOLOGY WAITING TIMES

Patients requiring assessment by an audiologist in the NHS Borders region are waiting an average of almost 18 months to be seen, the longest waiting time in Scotland according to figures obtained by SNP MSP Christine Grahame. The figures also reveal that its taking a further six months from the point an audiologist sees a patient to the point they are fitted with the necessary hearing aids. Ms Grahame has described the figures as diabolical and demanded health board chiefs explain the delay.

“Borderers are fast becoming accustomed to waiting targets not being met by the NHS and a general lack of investment by the Labour and Liberal Government, but these figures appear incredibly poor indeed.

“Not being seen by an audiologist over this length of time can seriously diminish the quality of life for people affected with hearing impairment. Lack of assessment and treatment can increase social isolation for those affected and can lead to associated side effects such as depression and increased anxiety.

“NHS Borders requires to explain why these figures are so poor in the Scottish Borders and if there is a lack of adequate investment in audiology then I will be taking that up immediately with the Health Minister.”

Dr John Low, Chief Executive of RNID added: “Waiting times on this scale really damage quality of life - waiting up to a year for hearing aid services compounds patients’ sense of alienation and isolation. A great deal can be missed while waiting for a hearing aid – whether an anniversary dinner, a new film, or the first words a grandchild speaks.

“RNID has long argued that published waiting times and agreed standards are instrumental in delivering a modernised and effective hearing aid service to the UK’s 2 million hearing aid users. Audiology has been the Cinderella service of the NHS for too long.”

SNP It’s time.....