Vol. 554 No. 5
956 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if hospitals dispose of crutches and walking aids after one use only; his views on whether this is value for money, in view of the fact each item costs in the region of ?40; if he will investigate other options in recycling such equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15654/02]
The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department and is an issue for management at health board level. Accordingly, my Department has asked the chief executive officers of each health board and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to respond to the Deputy directly.
957 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the total cost per annum for the purchase of walking aids and crutches; his plans to only purchase reusable equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15655/02]
The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department and is an issue for management at health board level. Accordingly, my Department has asked the chief executive officers of each health board and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to respond to the Deputy directly.
958 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if adequate equipment and medical appliances for physiotherapy purposes will be made available at a centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [15656/02]
The provision of physiotherapy services, and any matters relating to such provision, within its functional area, is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. In the case of the Tearim Uí Chaoimh day care centre, Mitchelstown, County Cork, this responsibility lies with the Southern Health Board.
I have been in contact with the Southern Health Board and it has informed me that physiotherapy services are provided in the north Cork area by a team of 6.5 physiotherapists who provide a service to each of the three sectors in the area. The Tearim Uí Chaoimh day care centre is located in the eastern sector and the physiotherapy base for that sector is at Fermoy Community Hospital. The service provided is of an outreach nature. Patients seen at the centre are assessed by the physiotherapist for any relevant appliances they require on an individual basis.
