I must firstly declare that I am a passionate believer in the National Health Service.

It was therefore with some concern that I read the Age UK advertising ‘wrap around’ on last week’s Enfield Independent, which dealt at length with their special hearing advice week.

Only in two places is there any mention made of the potential cost of any hearing appliances. One on the front page with the statement “Up to 50 per cent less than high street prices on the ultra discreet digital hearing aids”, and then the back page saying “Clearer hearing at a price you can afford”. However, no further mention is made of what cost and what price. I wonder why?

I believe it would be much better and a real service to those with a hearing impairment, such as myself, for Age UK to inform the people of Enfield that they have a fine audiology department at Chase Farm Hospital with skilled and dedicated staff where hearing tests, appliances and batteries are supplied free.

It may be that Age UK has lost its way and become too commercial, looking at the £350,000 that UK Hearing Care Management Services Limited have aimed (not promised) to raise for Age UK Trading Limited during 2014 through the promotion and sale of hearing aids. The corresponding figure for 2013 was £100,000, although that was stated by UK Hearing Care Management Services Limited as “we will raise a minimum of £100,000 for Age UK during 2013 through the promotion and sale of hearing aids”.

I also note that UK Hearing Care Management Services Limited was only incorporated on January 17, 2013 and is backed by a large US corporation who deal in hearing aids/appliances called Starkey Laboratories situated in Minnesota USA.

The persistent threat to our national asset the NHS from overseas is a fact and all must be done to preserve this fine institution. What Age UK are doing is assisting in the demise of the NHS. An action they should be ashamed of.

E D Ellis

Chase Road, Southgate