Karen Bradley

IT’S been another strange week with Parliament sitting remotely and most MPS contributing virtually to debates from their constituencies.

It is difficult to actually be able to take part in debates at the moment due to limits on numbers and a ballot system and it is often frustrating to want to speak on behalf of local businesses or about the vaccine rollout in the Moorlands for example and then not be selected to speak in the ballot. MPS do however have the option of raising your concerns by writing directly to Ministers or by tabling a Written Question.

I have been on many virtual calls this week. I have regular calls with Chief Inspector Mark Thorley, our local authorities, the Clinical Commissioning Groups and the local vaccine rollout team as well as Staffordshire County Council, other local MPS and senior health officials and the CEO of the Royal Stoke.

As we continue with the lockdown and look forward to hearing the Prime Minister’s plan for easing these restrictions, I wanted to share a bit of welcome news during this difficult time we find ourselves in.

A number of you have contacted me sharing your concerns about people with moderate hearing loss problems having to pay for their aids.

I have been heavily involved with this issue since it first arose some years ago as I felt very strongly that people who fall into this category would not only possibly struggle with the costs involved, but also that this may lead to social isolation which is something very close to my heart.

I am therefore delighted at the news that the CCG have reached a decision so that anyone who has moderate hearing loss and who had to previously pay for their aids can now get them on the NHS.