Owl has been receiving reports from East Devon NHS patients with hearing loss that they were told the Social Enterprise, Chime, would cease providing their audiology services from the beginning of April.
Information on how these services would be replaced has been patchy and mislesading.
Owl has discovered that the private Midlands based firm Scrivens, founded in 1938, is the replacement provider.
Scrivens web site indicates that similar services eg repairs and replacement batteries will be provided at local East Devon health hubs as they were with Chime.
However, this appears to be misleading.
Richard Foord, who has obviously been getting similar reports from patients as Owl, has asked Secretary of State Streeting for these local services to be restored. Meanwhile it will have to be “on the bus”.
Topical Questions Health and Social Care – in the House of Commons on 17 June 2025.
Richard Foord Liberal Democrat, Honiton and Sidmouth
People in East Devon have been told that they must now travel to Exeter for audiology services that they previously received at their local community hospital. What steps are the Government taking to encourage new providers to restore accessible audiology services?
Wes Streeting Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
That has been a running theme this morning, which will not be lost on Ministers. We will ensure, as we deliver neighbourhood health services, that people can receive care closer to home, wherever they live. We have heard that message loud and clear today, and I think the hon. Member will see that priority reflected in our 10-year plan for health.
East Devon Watch 