MP expresses fears over new audiology services

PATIENTS across eastern Devon have said they have been left struggling to access essential hearing services following what has been described as a chaotic handover of the region's NHS audiology contract.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

The concerns were raised in a letter from Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth, to NHS Devon chief executive Steve Moore, dated Monday, June 16.

Mr Foord said he had been “inundated” with emails and phone calls from constituents unhappy with the changes.

The letter follows the withdrawal of Chime, the previous audiology provider, at the end of March.

Chime, a community interest company which previously had a site at Seaton Hospital, reportedly faced funding challenges which led to its exit from the contract.

Mr Foord warned that the successor service “appears to be poorer” and that local people were being left without information or access to care.