29 January 2016

Mid Essex CCG pause NHS hearing care consultation

Mid Essex CCG pause consultation on restricting access to NHS hearing care

NHS commissioners in Mid Essex have delayed proposals to ration hearing care and will instead focus on achieving efficiencies within the current service. The decision comes after an extensive consultation with the public.

Harjit Sandhu, Director of Policy at the NCHA, said: “This is a positive development. The CCG remains under financial pressure but has decided to seek out savings before making cuts. This is the right thing to do.  Their focus on efficiency savings, innovation and public health is now aligned with national long-term plans to ensure the NHS remains sustainable without limiting access for patients.

“It is also good news that Mid Essex joins other NHS commissioners in aligning with the NHS’s Action Plan on Hearing Loss and Healthy Ageing Guide”.

Mid Essex CCG joins a list of CCGs that have recently consulted on rationing hearing services before deciding to explore alternatives. Most NHS Commissioners now await the National Commissioning Framework for Hearing Services, which is being co-produced by NHS England, Monitor and other stakeholders. The Framework aims to reduce variation in quality, access and value for money in hearing services and to help NHS Commissioners deliver more sustainable models of hearing care.

Read the NCHA view on A Model of Good Commissioning in North East Essex

Read the NCHA view on South Norfolk commissioners vote against rationing

Read the NCHA view on Model of Good Commissioning spreads to Staffordshire