The Department of Health is to review its Hearing Services Program, seeking to identify opportunities to modernise it and ensure it has a strong consumer focus.
The review will be led by an independent panel chaired by Professor Mike Woods, with Dr Zena Burgess.
The panel will seek views from the public on how the Program could be approved.
Minister for Regional Health, Mark Coulton said a Hearing Services Program Review Consultation Paper had been released to prompt discussion around key areas that could inform the program’s modernisation.
“While the discussion prompts are not specifically aligned with the review’s terms of reference, your responses will provide the panel with valuable information for the preparation of its final report,” Mr Coulton said.
“You are not limited to answering any or all of the questions posed in this paper and additional relevant information is welcome. Wherever possible, please ensure you provide the facts to support your views.”
He said submissions would be published at the end of the review and those who did not want their submission to be published should indicate so.
“We understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on consumers and the hearing sector, and that this may affect the capacity to respond,” Mr Coulton said.
Submissions close on 4 December and the final report will be provided to the Minister by the end of July 2021.
The 14-page Consultation Paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
