HL Deb 09 May 2001 vol 625 cc218-9WA
Baroness Darcy de Knayth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the strategic commissioning group set up by the National Health Service Supplies Authority has taken in relation to the Audit Commission's report Fully Equipped on prosthetic and orthotics services. [HL2035]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Audit Commission's reportFully Equipped did not make any specific recommendations for the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency about the expected actions of either the Prosthetic Strategic Supply Group or the Orthotics Strategic Supply Group. The Audit Commission's report made a number of recommendations which were essentially for local action and implementation.

Nevertheless, the agency set up the Prosthetic Strategic Supply Group and Orthotic Strategic Supply Group, which concentrate on purchasing and supply issues, to improve the performance of the NHS prosthetic and orthotic supply network and to ensure a cost-effective and quality service for patients and taxpayers. The groups include patient representatives and key stakeholders involved in the delivery of the service.