Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
169. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if the funding model for prosthetics and orthotics is on a national basis or is it different in each CHO; if this consists of a risk assessment to be completed by the referrer for each new application (details supplied); if so, the person or body that informs the referrer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prostheses and orthoses, 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 are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
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 the funding availability within local budgets.
However, HSE National Service Improvement Programme has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances.
While this work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Programme has recommenced. A review of the current prosthetics service is underway – under the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Specialist Footwear Work Stream – and is due to be completed by early 2023.
