§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to make a decision on his Department's report on the training and provision of orthotists in the National Health Service; what is his policy on the provision of additional orthotists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Newton[holding answer 22 February 1988]: There is no departmental report On this. Training of orthotists is a matter for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Training Council. I understand that the council's joint assessment panel has established a working party to consider the future of education and training. It is expected to present its final report to the council in March. Recruitment of NHS orthotists is a matter for individual health authorities. A small departmental team has undertaken a study of the arrangement for the delivery of the orthotics service, its efficiency and efficacy. Its report which considers management rather than manpower issues, is now being finalised.