New commissioning framework set up for hearing care providers

The first ever NHS National Commissioning Framework for hearing loss has been secured in England.

NHS England has launched its long-awaited action plan ‘Commissioning Services for People with Hearing Loss: A Framework for Clinical Commissioning Groups’.

Mark Georgevic, National Community Hearing Association (NCHA) chairman and Scrivens director, said: ‘This is a major breakthrough for patients and the sector. Despite several previous attempts since 2000 to improve hearing care, most commissioners in England are not yet getting the best deal for their local population or meeting needs in a sustainable way.

‘The opportunities have always been there but this framework brings the evidence together in one easily accessible format to support commissioners. There are no longer any excuses, commissioners and providers will have to respond and patients will benefit when they do.’