NEW Scottish Government figures show that NHS Borders has the longest waiting time for hearing aids in the whole of Scotland.
The average waiting time has doubled since March 2014, meaning Borderers have to wait up to ten times longer than other parts of the country.
The health secretary revealed the average waiting time for the fitting of a hearing aid in the Borders is ten weeks, compared to most other health boards, where most patients receive an aid within just seven days.
While the national target is 18 weeks, MSP John Lamont told the Peeblesshire News the waiting times are “unacceptable”.
He said: “When some people elsewhere in Scotland receive a hearing aid within a week of being identified as needing one, those in the Borders have to wait ten weeks on average.
“While NHS Borders is meeting the treatment target, it’s unacceptable that it takes so much longer to give those who need them hearing aids in the Borders.
“The fitting of hearing aids can make such a difference to the quality of life of those who are hard of hearing and I am sure the health board will be looking closely at these figures.”
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