WAITING times for digital hearing aids have been slashed from two years to just two weeks at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

And that makes the hospital's audiology department one of the most efficient in the south west.

Staff have worked through their holidays, on days off and have even come in on weekends to get waiting lists down.

Doctor David Reed, a consultant audiological scientist, has headed up the department for the last 28 years.

"The staff are dedicated and committed," said the 51-year-old from Lawns.

"I think they respect my work ethos of being firm and fair.

"The team has been developed to respect the attributes of the individual members, which leads to a more rewarding working day.

"Staff changed from working five days to four days.

"Instead they worked longer days with shorter lunch breaks, which enabled more patients to be seen each day."

One measure that has worked very well in reducing waiting times is the sweeper system.

"In the past when staff have been unable to work it was not uncommon for patients to have their appointments cancelled," he added.

"This was inconvenient for patients and staff as patients had to be rebooked, and often weeks in advance.

"The Sweeper System allows staff to act up to cover for the absent person.

"If a junior member is on non-patient duties then all staff can push up a grade.

"This is good for staff morale and encourages staff to achieve.

"The department also experimented with open ear' fittings, which worked very well.

"This saved having individual ear moulds made for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.

"There is also less telephone and inter-departmental interruptions for staff so patients can be seen more promptly.

"Patients are very appreciative."

The audiology department sees 2,000 people a month. It takes three appointments for a patient to be fitted with a hearing aid, from consultation, the fitting itself and a follow up to ensure there are no difficulties.

It has four sound proof rooms and four consultation rooms and is situated on level three at the hospital in the main building.

Kate Hill, the manager of the department, said: "There is a good team here and we are all well motivated.

"We've all worked hard at reducing the waiting time to the Government target."

Deaf awareness week runs from May 5 to 9 and the audiology department is keen to support the campaign.