Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a Modern Service Framework for hearing health on innovative models of audiology care, including community-based and digitally enabled services.

The Department has not made a formal assessment of the impact of a modern service framework (MSF) for hearing health on variation in access to audiology and ear wax removal services between integrated care boards (ICBs).

The Government's 10-Year Health Plan announced the development of MSFs to support more consistent, high-quality care, and to reduce unwarranted variation. After the initial wave of MSFs is complete, the National Quality Board will determine the conditions to prioritise for new MSFs as part of its work programme.

ICBs have a statutory responsibility to commission services that meet the needs of their local populations, including audiology services and, where clinically required, ear wax removal services. In exercising their functions, ICBs must have regard to reducing inequalities in access to, and outcomes from, healthcare services. Ear wax removal services should be commissioned in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance.