Under the Lansley "reforms" in 2013, NHS commissioners were allowed and encouraged to award contracts for the provision of certain services to "any qualified provider". Audiology, the assessment of hearing and the provision of hearing aids, was one of those services and Specsavers was the provider most prominently known for providing that service. We understand that this arrangement has been brought to an end locally on medical grounds. Commissioners have decided that audiology will now be provided by the Royal Berkshire Hospital locally at 8 sites (to be specified). This arrangement will allow onward referral to the ENT department, or for an MRI scan of the inner ear, to balance and hearing therapy, provision of specialist hearing devices and the assurance of a clinical scientist level of expertise in the service. Existing patients needing further help will not need a referral from the GP, they can contact the RBH Audiology department directly. Please visit the web page www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/featured-services/audiology where contact details, arrangements for repairs and getting batteries are given (sometimes through further links). We are told that there was a consultation on this change but so far we have not been able to find out anything about it - please watch this space.