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25/09/2018
885 Patients Waiting For Audiology Service Appointments
A total of 885 Northern Health and Social Services trust patients suffering hearing difficulties are waiting for hospital appointments.
The SDLP uncovered the information in a Freedom of Information request, which also found that twenty-one patients are waiting more than 21 weeks with the longest waiting 172 days.
SDLP MLA John Dallat described the waiting list as "simply not good enough".
He continued: "The Audiology Service operated by the Northern Health Trust and based in Ballymena provides an excellent service to patients and is in very high demand. However, it is concerning that the waiting list is as high as it is.
"Audiology is an important element of the health service and should be open and assessable to all people without delay. The number on the waiting list is alarmingly high and 21 weeks is too long a wait for an appointment where the outcome would hopefully be an improvement in the ability of people to hear and participate in conversation with others.
"This is true of the high number of people still of working age but equally true of older people who should not be consigned to a world of silence and the absence of conversation.
"Audiology, like many other services should have the attention of a functioning Assembly, yet it will remain another unrepresented issue while the priorities remain elsewhere."
The SDLP uncovered the information in a Freedom of Information request, which also found that twenty-one patients are waiting more than 21 weeks with the longest waiting 172 days.
SDLP MLA John Dallat described the waiting list as "simply not good enough".
He continued: "The Audiology Service operated by the Northern Health Trust and based in Ballymena provides an excellent service to patients and is in very high demand. However, it is concerning that the waiting list is as high as it is.
"Audiology is an important element of the health service and should be open and assessable to all people without delay. The number on the waiting list is alarmingly high and 21 weeks is too long a wait for an appointment where the outcome would hopefully be an improvement in the ability of people to hear and participate in conversation with others.
"This is true of the high number of people still of working age but equally true of older people who should not be consigned to a world of silence and the absence of conversation.
"Audiology, like many other services should have the attention of a functioning Assembly, yet it will remain another unrepresented issue while the priorities remain elsewhere."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
