12 April 2024

NHS to improve access to primary care audiology

In its latest update on the health system, NHS England has reiterated its support for self-referral to NHS-funded audiology services.

More people can refer themselves for key services, such as help with hearing tests, without needing to see a GP, as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan.

NHS England listed 'audiology, including hearing-aid provision' as a priority action for developing community health services in its 2023/2024 operational priorities and planning guidance.

"Expanding direct access and self-referrals empowers patients to take control of their healthcare, streamlines access to services and reduces the unnecessary burden on GP appointments," the report stated.

NHS England said it was on track to increase self-referrals across all pathways by a further 15,000 patients a month by the end of March 2025. However, it was working with ICBs "to reduce variation and ensuring healthcare staff and patients can readily understand the availability of self-referral locally".

About 200,000 people a month already refer themselves directly for treatment for services, including audiology. Still, the idea is for local services to expand the option of self-referral based on their population's needs.

Andrea Leadsom, the primary care minister, said: "Self-referral will give patients greater choice, free up GP appointments and help make access to care faster, simpler and fairer for everyone."

Harjit Sandhu, the NCHA's managing director, said: "We welcome this news. It will help to improve access to NHS-funded ear and hearing care and tackle existing inequalities in access to care. We have called for this change for several years and are delighted that the NHS will continue to deliver on this commitment for people with hearing difficulties."

Self-referral to NHS hearing care forms a central pillar of the NCHA's vision for hearing care in Primary care audiology - accessible ear and hearing care for all.