.
Northern
Cochlear Implant Programme chief executive Lee Schoushkoff
says the annual funding increase will help to ensure the
waiting list doesn’t continue to increase beyond demand,
while providing certainty to hundreds of New Zealanders who
have waited years for a cochlear implant – without any
guarantee they would receive one.
“We are extremely
relieved that the Government has listened to our calls for
action, and prioritised adult cochlear implant funding,”
says Lee.
“Until today’s announcement many on the
waiting list faced the prospect of never hearing again. They
now have an opportunity to not only have their hearing
restored, but to re-enter the workforce and excel in their