Some people waiting over 6 years for routine hearing tests in South Yorkshire
The Labour MP for Doncaster Central says she wants to debate the issue in Parliament
It's feared some people in parts of South Yorkshire have been waiting 'over 6 years' for a routine hearing test.
Maggie Lockhart - from Doncaster's Audiology Action Group - says it's a big problem for many in the city:
"I know of people who've been waiting 4,5, and 6 years for a hearing test.
"Sometimes, people in Doncaster have had to wait longer than that.
"There is a way to go, but I know progress is being made in this area.
The Labour MP for Doncaster Central - Sally Jameson - says she's trying to secure a debate in Parliament on the backlog:
“Audiology services in Doncaster have faced huge problems for some time, and while the trust is working hard to improve the service, it is unacceptable that some of my constituents have been waiting years for basic hearing tests, and to have their hearing aid needs met.
"It is not right that patients in Doncaster should wait years for basic treatment or pay privately whilst neighbouring NHS Trust’s see patients within a few weeks.”
A spokesperson at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said:
“We recognise the impact long waits in Audiology have had on patients and families, and we are sorry for this. Although improvements have been made, we know there is still more to do to bring the service back to routine levels.
"Waiting times for new patients have reduced from over a year to an average of 22 weeks, and we are continuing to reduce these further. Additionally, we are recruiting five additional audiologists and are supporting weekend clinics, providing around 1,500 additional appointments, while urgent referrals continue to be prioritised to ensure patient safety.
"We expect these actions to support a gradual recovery of the service and to meet the national standard by April 2026, while continuing to support patients in the meantime.”