Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
800. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 484 of 10 December 2013, when a decision will be made on the appropriate strategy to be employed by the Health Service Executive in the provision of orthotics and prosthetics, addressing specific issues of concern which have already been identified by the HSE regarding the provision of such services. [1007/14]
View answer801. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 484 of 10 December 2013, if he intends to initiate regulations or legislation in the area of the provision of orthotics and prosthetic services; the actions that he will take to address potential issues of safety and clinical governance that arise due to the multiplicity of companies now supplying limbs. [1008/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 800 and 801 together.
I understand the Health Service Executive replied to the Deputy in relation to the previous parliamentary questions.
The HSE has informed the Deputy that orthotics and prosthetic services is an area that has been identified as requiring the development and implementation of a comprehensive procurement strategy. The HSE is currently giving due consideration to all of the elements involved in developing a comprehensive procurement strategy and is currently exploring options in relation to issues such as clinical governance, access and value for money. All suppliers of services will be required to comply with standards. Where patient care is concerned the HSE will explore the best model of clinical supervision in the provision of prosthetic, orthotic and limb absence rehabilitation (POLAR) services.
The HSE continues its work in developing an appropriate procurement strategy for this service.
