13 November 2015

A Model of Good Commissioning In North East Essex

CCG to explore alternatives to restricting access to NHS hearing care

North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has completed a six-week public engagement exercise and evidence-based review of hearing aids for people with mild hearing loss.

As a result, clinical and commissioning leads at the CCG have decided to work with providers to explore cost-effective alternatives to restricting access to NHS hearing care.

The CCG has also stated that NHS England’s forthcoming National Commissioning Framework for hearing services will help inform commissioning decisions in the near future.

Harjit Sandhu, Director of Policy at the NCHA, said: “The CCG’s decision shows what good commissioning looks like and we commend them. All alternatives should be considered before cuts to frontline services are made.

"The CCG has listened to feedback and planned a practical way forward which will benefit patients, including early intervention, and public health.

"North East Essex CCG has done exactly what Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England has long called for; to think like a patient and act like a taxpayer.”

Click to read the North East Essex CCG press release in full.