FOI – 2024-000225 Cochlear Implants (HTML)

Date received – 05 June 2024 | Date responded – 01 July 2024

Request

I'm trying to gather information about the cost of cochlear implants in Scotland for some research I am doing and was wondering if you could help me.

I'm looking to get information about the approximate cost that the NHS pays for a bilateral cochlear implant in Scotland (excluding the implantation and maintenance costs etc). I've also reached out to the SCIP but they did not have this information and suggested I contacted NHS Scotland National Procurement instead. Are you able to point me in the direction of anywhere I can find this information?

Response

I refer to your freedom of information request that we received on 05 June 2024 requesting the following information.

I'm trying to gather information about the cost of cochlear implants in Scotland for some research I am doing and was wondering if you could help me.

I'm looking to get information about the approximate cost that the NHS pays for a bilateral cochlear implant in Scotland (excluding the implantation and maintenance costs etc). I've also reached out to the SCIP but they did not have this information and suggested I contacted NHS Scotland National Procurement instead. Are you able to point me in the direction of anywhere I can find this information?

We have now completed the search of our records and can provide you with the following information:

Under Section 33(1)(b) of FOISA, an organisation does not require to provide information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially the commercial interests of any person (including, without prejudice to that generality, a Scottish public authority) and as such any individual cost information is being withheld as it is commercially sensitive.

However, what we can provide you with is the total amount NHS Ayrshire & Arran (A&A) has spent on bilateral cochlear implant products in 2023, circa £627k. Note: NHS A&A are the main centre in Scotland for cochlear implant products.

You may wish to contact NHS A&A at foi@aapct.scot.nhs.uk who may be able to provide you with information in relation to the approximate cost the NHS pays for a bilateral cochlear implant.

I trust you will find the information of assistance and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Contact

Address

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