Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:203. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive a new wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 May 2022
Ceisteanna (203)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long Term Illness scheme), following assessment by a relevant health professional. These aids and appliances are provided by the HSE through community services known as Community Funded Schemes.
Each Community Health Organisation (CHO) operates processes for the allocation of funding for medical and surgical aids and appliances. Each application within a CHO is assessed by the local Resource Allocation Group and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and funding availability within local budgets.
At times, due to the demand for resources exceeding the available capacity, waiting lists may apply for some categories of items provided through the medical and surgical aids and appliances budget in a particular CHO. Waiting times for items approved for funding vary depending on the priority rating and priority is given to clients with the greatest level of clinical need. The HSE have advised that clinical demands on the local budget remain high.
The HSE have confirmed that the application for a new wheelchair was considered by the local Resource Allocation Group on 31 of March 2022 and was subsequently included on a waiting list.