AUDIOLOGY services in Bury are to be modernised under a change of leadership.

Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) will take over the operational management of audiology services from the hospitals trust in April.

The move follows a three-month consultation process with staff, service users, stakeholders and other interested parties. It was concluded that the transfer of management from the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to Bury PCT would benefit both patients and staff.

Health bosses say the change will allow "more flexibility" in the way services are provided and bring services closer to patients' homes, as well as maintaining a relationship with Fairfield Hospital's ear, nose and throat department and its paediatric services.

The majority of audiology services will still continue to be delivered from Fairfield.

Ros Walker, director of clinical and therapy services for Bury PCT, said: "Since Bury PCT was established in April 2002, there have been many discussions around developing audiology services locally and how best to do this to benefit patients.

"It was apparent staff wanted to deliver responsive services that were more patient focused and locally accessible.

"The transfer of operational management will not only allow some services to be provided closer to home, such as the fitting of digital hearing aids, the service will also complement other community services provided by the PCT, including district nursing and health visiting."