Issue - meetings

That the development of the service be endorsed.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report to provide information on the current provision of support to children and adults with a hearing impairment in Flintshire.    He gave background information and referred to the services provided by the North Wales Deaf Association (NWDA) and the Deafness Support Network.  

                        Councillor Hilary McGuill asked how often and when was children’s hearing tested in school.   The Manager, Sensory Services, advised that children were tested at the age of 7 and referred to the alert mechanisms and systems in place to support children who demonstrated hearing difficulties.  

                        Councillor Cindy Hinds expressed concern that Flintshire residents had to travel to a specialist centre in Chester if they wished to take the opportunity to try a range of hearing equipment.  The Chief Officer (Social Services) explained that the Centre offered additional equipment which was not available at the North East Wales Community Equipment Store but would make further enquiries on this matter.  Councillor Hinds raised further concerns regarding not being able to visit different hospitals when  issues arose with hearing aids. The Chief Officer (Social Services) suggested that this be raised with BCUHB when they next attended a Social & Health Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

            RESOLVED

That the development of the service be endorsed.