§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the existing facilities for limb fitting in Wales, whether he has any plans for extending the facilities available or providing new facilities; and if he will make a statement.
(2) what action is proposed to reduce travelling time and distances to existing limb fitting centres: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristLimb fitting clinics are held at the artificial limb and appliance centres (ALAC) at Cardiff and Morriston. Patients in north Wales currently attend limb fitting clinics at Liverpool ALAC, although, as announced in Welsh health circular 87/11, it is intended to establish satellite ALACs in north Wales. The Welsh Health Common Service Authority, which is now responsible for the artificial limb and appliance service in Wales, will be pursuing this in discussion with health authorities and others.
The circular also referred to the need for improved transport facilities for patients travelling long distances from north Wales to Merseyside. Funds have since been made available to the Gwynedd health authority to enable fast, comfortable ambulance transport to be provided for such patients travelling to the regional radiotherapy facilities and the ALAC in Merseyside.