AQW 15245/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 23/02/2021
Answered On Date: 02/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what discussions he has had with Executive colleagues concerning the potential for supporting podiatrists by funding public sector workers, who have been off work due to musculoskeletal or lower limb issues, to see a podiatrist on the basis of a regional approach including the independent sector.

Answer:

There have been no discussions between my Department and Northern Ireland Executive colleagues concerning the potential for supporting podiatrists to treat public service workers off sick with musculoskeletal issues.

The Department of Health holds no policy responsibilities for podiatrists in private practice and as such does not hold a budget to support them.