9. Short Debate: Hidden issues affecting deaf people and those suffering hearing loss

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:42 pm on 8 June 2022.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 7:42, 8 June 2022

Can I thank my colleague Joel James for his contribution and for giving me a moment of his time as well? In Wales, hearing loss services are exclusively provided by NHS hospital-based services. We also know that there is a huge unacceptable level of waiting times for some patients, forcing patients to either go private, or if they can't afford it, to suffer or not know where to turn to. When I go for my appointment for an eyesight test, I also get offered a hearing test, as well, at Specsavers in Newtown. They offer a hearing test and also—[Interruption.] A two-for-one—absolutely. But my colleague Joel James has pointed this out and I would put to you, Minister, that there's an opportunity here to save the NHS money, to improve access to services and also to take the pressure off the NHS, and that is by commissioning existing providers of community services in Wales to provide NHS services using a model based on existing primary care optometry in Wales. Optometrists play a huge role, of course, in reducing the burden upon GP primary care services and the NHS as a whole in Wales, so I would ask the Minister to consider this as a similar model for NHS hearing loss services in Wales.