Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm the total annual cost across Wales of mobility equipment which is not collected or returned after use, and if this data is not held, explain why and advise as to how this may be analysed and collated appropriately in the future to enable proper scrutiny of public spending?
Details of the cost of mobility equipment which is not collected or returned after use is not held centrally.
NHS mobility equipment is provided by a Community/Joint Equipment Service or by the Welsh Artificial Limb and Appliance Service. Health Boards are responsible for local services within their areas and each health board has an integrated community equipment service in joint partnership with other stakeholders. The Welsh Artificial Limb and Appliance Service is provided by a unique collaboration between three Health Boards and is commissioned via Welsh Health Specialised Service Committee.
Both services have systems in place and would hold data of all the mobility equipment issued and returned in Wales.