Any qualified provider (AQP) is a type of NHS contract, which allows non NHS as well as NHS organisations to provide NHS services. AQP contracts apply to West Sussex residents.
Recent changes to hearing aid services in the local West Sussex area mean that First Community are no longer accepting new referrals in West Sussex for routine age related hearing loss.
First Community transfer of care for routine audiology care
NHS Sussex, plans and buys health services on behalf of the local population.
Recently, they invited organisations which provide hearing aids to apply for a new contract to deliver hearing aid services for people experiencing non-complex and age-related hearing loss in Sussex.
First Community decided not to apply for this contract and are therefore no longer providing routine audiology care in this area. First Community will, however, continue to provide all after-care needs for those who had a hearing aid fitted within the last three years.
Modality, Scrivens and Specsavers all applied for, and were awarded the new contract. They all offer services in the West Sussex local area.
These providers meet the stringent quality and qualification requirements for a local NHS service provider and have fully qualified audiologists, the specialist equipment and staff required to assess hearing, fit hearing aids, and deliver ongoing aftercare.
If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved by the staff in branch (at Modality, Scrivens and Specsavers), please contact NHS Sussex through their webpage Contact us and they will be happy to help.