What progress has been made in ensuring that digital hearing aids are readily available throughout Scotland for those who need them.

The Executive has already made £7 million available to NHS boards to modernise audiology services and allow the provision of digital hearing aids where these are the most clinically effective option. An experienced project manager has been appointed to facilitate the modernisation process.
A significant proportion of the additional funds is initially being directed at infrastructure improvements essential to the provision of a modernised service, including the provision of suitable accommodation, equipment, information technology and the recruitment of additional trained staff.
The Executive expects NHSScotland to be in a position to provide digital hearing aids in all cases where they represent the most clinically effective option by the end of March 2006. In the meantime, digital hearing aids are currently available on a limited basis in most NHS board areas.