HSE spends €68m on crutches and wheelchairs

THE HSE spent more than €68 million on wheelchairs, crutches and walking frames last year, amid growing calls for existing equipment to be recycled to patients.

Figures revealed by health service management to the Irish Medical News show that over the course of 2009 almost €188,000 was spent every day on such equipment.

Among the highest paying areas were the HSE Dublin North East (€24.1m), HSE South (€18.4m) and the HSE West (€11.03m).

Despite the high costs involved, senior health service managers have rejected the suggestion that most of the equipment could be re-used once a patient has completed their recovery. It is understood this is due to concerns over litigation if the equipment was unknowingly damaged or if there were hygiene issues related to re-use.

However, in January the HSE revealed it had a budget of €20m to decontaminate medical aids and appliances this year, drastically reducing the risks involved.

The decision to continue to purchase new equipment instead of re-using existing wheelchairs and crutches already in the system was criticised earlier this year by Green Party councillor Brian Meaney.

During a recent HSE West regional health forum meeting, a Clare County Council member alleged that millions of euro is being wasted on purchasing the new mobility aids.

The row over the equipment costs emerged as it was confirmed that an unpublished report on cost-savings, drawn up for senior management in the HSE West by external consultants Mott MacDonald, has proposed a number of changes in how mobility aids are provided. They include the introduction of waiting lists for the appliances.

Concerns have also been raised privately by some HSE staff over the variation in costs for wheelchairs, crutches and walking frames by companies offering the products in Ireland.