Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to NHS England's 2023-24 priorities and operational planning guidance, whether the introduction of self-referral to NHS audiology services is in addition to the system of GP referral.

NHS England published its 2023/24 priorities and operational planning guidance to implement the aims of the NHS Long Term Plan. The Plan seeks to expand direct access and self-referral where general practitioner (GP) involvement is not clinically necessary, including audiology services. This is in addition to the system of GP referral.

Expanding direct access and self-referrals empowers patients to take control of their healthcare, streamlines access to services and reduces unnecessary burden on GP appointments.