Arrangements for the provision of health services, including chiropody services, are a matter for the health boards, having regard to their priorities within the funding allocated. As all funds have been allocated, I have no additional funding available for the Eastern Health Board.
The Eastern Health Board provides a chiropody service through a panel of private practitioners on the basis of three treatments per annum to medical card holders over 65 years of age who require such a service. In exceptional circumstances where the patient requires additional treatment, this is provided by the board. A service is also provided to medical card holders, under 65 years of age, with a physical handicap which necessitates chiropody treatment.