Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they have taken so far on the report of the Audit Commission, published in March 2000, on the quality of artificial limbs, surgical appliances and disability equipment services in the United Kingdom. [HL5320]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe National Health Service Purchasing and Supplies Agency (PASA) is in ongoing consultation with the industry regarding supply of disability equipment in general, which includes discussion regarding research and development. The Department of Health's Medical Devices Agency is responsible for enforcing regulations which cover safety and quality aspects of disability equipment. The agency investigates adverse incidents involving these products in conjunction with the manufacturers. Resultant design or material changes generally improve product quality.
The NHS Plan set targets to integrate health and social care community equipment services and to increase by 50 per cent the number of people who can benefit from such services by 2004. A national implementation support team has been established to help local NHS and social services organisations through the transition from separate to integrated services.
In relation to orthotics, PASA and others are working together to identify and resolve service problems with a view to developing improved patient outcomes and patient focussed service provision. The quality of the finish of artificial limbs has been improved by the introduction of silicone cosmesis covers, funding for which has been increased by £4 million over three years from April 2001: £30.75 million has also been invested in modernisation of hearing aid services, including the provision of high quality digital hearing aids.