For Immediate Release
29th January 2013
Northern Cochlear Implant Trust Welcomes Funding From Ministry of Health
The Northern Cochlear Implant Trust, the Ministry of Health and consumer groups have been working closely together over
the course of the year to facilitate increased access to cochlear implant technology for severely hearing disabled
adults.
In response to the growing demand for increased access to cochlear implants, reduced waiting times and improved patient
outcomes, the Ministry of Health has announced an extra one-off investment in funding which will now an additional 20
adults throughout New Zealand receiving an implant.
The Chairman of the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust, Dr. Bill Keith, welcomes the additional funding, saying “The extra
funding for Cochlear Implants from the Ministry of Health will facilitate huge gains for severely hearing disabled
adults.
“Our board, providers and consumers have been dedicated in their pursuit of improved outcomes for patients and are
pleased at the response from the Ministry of Health. None of this could have been achieved without the collaborative
work of all involved, and for that we are exceptionally grateful.”
The extra investment in cochlear implant services will provide for more adults to receive a cochlear implant, as well as
on-going support for those in the programme. It is also of note that this additional one-off funding has also been
targeted for those who have been languishing on the waiting list the longest.
Lyn Polwart, chairperson of the New Zealand Cochlear Implant Consumer group, is overjoyed at the announcement.
“I am just so relieved that at last, our voices have been heard, and that the Ministry of Health has responded in such a
positive way. This decision will change the lives of so many, setting them free from the prison of their disability.
“We look forward to continuing to work together with the Trusts, providers, and Ministry in our desire for improved
outcomes for cochlear implant consumers.”
-ENDS-