Prospective Conservative MP Maggie Throup gives a thumbs’ up to community hearing care in Erewash after visiting a local practice.

Maggie Throup visited Specsavers to learn about the important role hearing care plays in keeping older residents active and engaged in the community. 

NHS England and Age UK have highlighted the importance of hearing tests as part of national healthy ageing initiative. Community-based hearing care in Ilkeston has allowed more people to access high quality hearing support closer to home, in more accessible locations. 

Maggie Throup said: “It is great to see new models of care provided closer to the patient and it was fascinating to learn about the role that hearing services play in keeping people healthy and active in our community. I have a background in NHS care and my parents both accessed NHS hearing aids, so it is great to see quality care being delivered closer to people’s homes.”

Hearing Specialist at the local store Raj Somal said: "It is important that people with hearing aids get regular support to make sure they are getting the most out of them.  That means people have to visit us more often than you would think. My patients tell me it is a real plus to have someone local to come and see to get repairs done, have a new battery fitted or just to discuss any concerns they might have”

Store Manager Krishna Parmar explained the growing role NHS hearing care had in her local community: “We have been delivering primary eye care in Ilkeston for the NHS for over 25 years. Since NHS hearing care has been opened up to community providers we have invested in new consultation rooms and hearing care experts. This has transformed the care we offer our local community and we are now becoming the local place for hearing care. Our patients love the service which means they don’t have to travel far to get the support they need.”