Telephone enquiries, please contact: Trevor Reed on telephone (0113) 206 5885

Dear Mr Tebbs

Re: Freedom of Information Act (FOI)

I am writing in response to your e-mail on 27 August 2008 requesting information from the Trust under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Your queries are reproduced below along with our responses.

What is the allocated funding provided for a Hearing Therapist at the Leeds General infirmary Audiology department from 1997 to 2008 and what is the projected allocation until 2012

Between 1997 and 2008 the allocated funding for Hearing Therapy was £38,000 per annum. This was based on Pay Circular (Afor C) 04/2007. The role is embodied within the duties of 1 whole time equivalent band 6 practitioner (as described by the 'Agenda for Change' process).

It should be noted that since 2004 the role of 'Hearing Therapist' has become part of the BSc Hons (Audiology) educational programme and the 'Diploma in Hearing Therapy' has been abolished. Audiology graduates and their equivalents (as recognised by the regulator, the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists) are now trained and qualified to deliver hearing therapy as part of the programme of care offered to all hearing impaired/deaf adults.

Additional Higher Certificate to Practice modules are also now available to enhance knowledge via the skills escalator.

Leeds supports this educational programme and fully supports the concept of hearing therapy for all as a critical part of the rehabilitation process.

At present we are not able to quantify the funding position to 2012. The above role is currently vacant any future funding allocation will be subject to approval as part of the Trust's Vacancy Approvals Process.

I hope the above information is helpful. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request then please write to Trevor Reed at the address shown above.

If you continue to be dissatisfied you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner. Generally, the Commissioner cannot make a decision until you have exhausted the Trust's complaints procedure. Should you wish to contact the Information Commissioner you can do so by writing to The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Yours sincerely

Ross Langford

Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications