A new appointment system for patients with NHS hearing aids is to be introduced in the spring.

Currently, the island’s audiology service hosts weekly drop-in sessions at Noble’s for patients to have their hearing aids adjusted or repaired.

Under the new system from March 2, patients will be asked to telephone to make an appointment.

Dr Stephen Griffiths, head of audiology, said: ’The number of people needing hearing aids is growing, a trend we are seeing worldwide. So demand for device maintenance is growing and as a result we have days when the drop-in clinics are quiet while at other times the waiting room is bursting at the seams. It’s become unpredictable and can mean frustrating long waits for patients.’

He added: ’It’s not uncommon for lots of patients to arrive at the same time to beat the queue. This causes bottlenecks, long waits and on occasion, we have to turn people away because the clinic is full to capacity. Switching to an appointment system will mean a guaranteed consultation with the audiologist, at a time to suit and without any lengthy waiting. I appreciate it’s a slight inconvenience calling to book a slot but I believe the patient experience will be greatly improved as a result.’

The clinics will be held on the same days as at present and the patients will be able to book an appointment on the day of their choice. Appointments will be available on Monday morning, Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning every week starting Monday, March 2.

Appointments can be arranged by telephone on 650407, via email to [email protected] or by using the ’contact us’ button on the audiology service Facebook page.

Existing drop-in clinics will continue until Friday, February 28.