Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
175. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the details of all national policies and plans that are in place regarding prosthetics and orthotics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34667/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraProsthetics is the manufacture and fitting of artificial limbs (prostheses). Orthotics is the manufacture and fitting of devises (orthoses) designed to correct a patient’s physical posture and function, for example, specialised footwear, ankle and knee supports.
The 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. Prosthetic services are currently provided by private providers and the cost is charged to the HSE.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible patients through the Community Funded Schemes.
Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.
The NRH does operate the Prosthetic, Orthotic and Limb Absence Rehabilitation (POLAR) Programme, which provides specialised, interdisciplinary limb absence rehabilitation for patients who have experienced amputation. This comprehensive rehabilitation service is offered to patients whether or not prosthesis is appropriate.
A 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.
