HSE’s €500,000 annual wheelchair spend

The Health Service ­Executive (HSE) has been asked to ­review its expenditure of aids and appliances in the Mid-West.
The call has come from Coucillor Brian Meaney, who is shocked about the spending of over €500,000 on wheelchairs in the region.
Official HSE figures have revealed the authority’s spending on wheelchairs is almost four times higher in the former Mid-Western Health Board area compared with the former Western Health Board area. 
The authority’s spending on wheelchairs for people in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary increased from €491,231 in 2010 to €511,260 last year.  This was in sharp contrast to the expenditure in Galway, Roscommon and Mayo, where €113,971 was spent in 2010 and €108,932 in 2011.
Councillor Meaney had asked the authority what was the cost in the Health Forums West of providing crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs in 2011 and 2012.
Considering a foldable self-propelled wheelchair could be purchased in a discount supermarket for €100 earlier this year, Councillor Meaney noted over 51,000 basic wheelchairs could be purchased, which appeared to be a huge number for people in three counties in any one year.
The Green Party councillor said it was important for the HSE to ensure mobile appliances were not being taken by individuals for resale as scrap metal.
He said there were unconfirmed reports this practice was being undertaken by some unscrupulous people, which was totally unacceptable. 
“I can see no reason why walking aids and crutches can’t be used again, once proper infection control procedures are carried out. Given the pressure on the HSE to reduce its costs, every effort should be made to ­reduce spending once it doesn’t affect frontline services and patient care,” he added.
HSE procurement official, Philip Browne confirmed the HSE had proposed a single mini-competition with award by lots based on the four regional directors of ­operations areas in order to meet ­requirements and to achieve the best value for money.
Homecare Medical was the successful supplier for this service in the HSE West. The duration of this contract, which is at the initial stage of implementation, is for an initial period of 24 months with the option to extend on a 12-month basis, up to a maximum of 48 months.
“This contract awards ­supports and supplements existing recycling services and will ensure high standards in infection control and appliance service and maintenance.
“This contract will also support the movement of aids and appliances to ensure equity of service for clients in the community. It will increase current recycling levels and reduce the need for the purchase of new appliances.
“Provision and access to these services are controlled within HSE via the local health offices,” he said.
The HSE has previously stated that €1,341,993 was spent providing aids and appliances in Clare in 2006, the overall figure fell to €1,318,219 in 2007 and €1,121,193 in 2008.