Hearing aids for all vindication of NHS – Euro-MP

12.00.00am GMT Fri 7th Feb 2003

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has welcomed today's announcement by the National Health Service to provide free digital hearing aids for all who need them.

Previously, only poor quality analogue hearing aids were available on the NHS. But a new deal struck with the manufacturers has meant the Health Service can now buy the machines at a fraction of their market price.

1.8 million people, including 18,000 children, stand to benefit from this new service by the time it is fully implemented nationwide in 2005.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said:

"The NHS is using its strength as a bulk buyer to get things cheaper than they would ever be available privately. This is a vindication of the concept of a National Health Service for all."