To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether his Department will reform the audiology service model as a priority during this Assembly mandate; and (ii) what consideration he has given to implementing a primary care audiology service as a solution to waiting lists.

The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) within the Department of Health, plans and oversees the delivery of Health and Social Care for the population of Northern Ireland.

SPPG has established an Audiology Task and Finish Group to work with Trusts across the HSC to get a better understanding of the population’s audiology needs in Northern Ireland. This task group is currently considering referrals into the audiology service and the current workforce availability. Following correspondences from a number of interested parties, I have asked the SPPG to consider a mixed delivery (HSC and community providers) approach to address waiting lists, should this be required beyond that already funded.

In the current situation, however, with significant financial challenges, it is important to acknowledge the underlying constraints in developing such a model.