AQW 33278/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 10/10/2025
Answered On Date: 14/05/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline how he is ensuring that all Health and Social Care Trusts are providing the best possible service to patients requiring wigs at this time.

Answer:

The Department of Health does not have a direct role in the procurement of wigs or in overseeing product quality or service delivery. This is consistent with any other medical equipment or devices which Trusts procure. These responsibilities rest with individual Health and Social Care Trusts, supported by BSO PaLS (Procurement and Logistics Service). Trusts are responsible for identifying clinical needs, developing specifications and ensuring that products and services meet appropriate standards through their procurement and contract management processes.

Quality assurance is managed locally and any concerns about product suitability or supplier performance must be addressed by the Trusts.

However, I am aware that Trusts have encountered significant and persistent barriers, far beyond routine operational challenges, in developing a specification for wigs. These issues have effectively prevented a regional tender from progressing and have forced Trusts to consider alternative, less‑than‑ideal approaches in recent years. The difficulties stem from wide variation in patient needs, inconsistent supplier offerings, and the absence of any recognised framework or standard to define quality, suitability, or value for money.

My Department is continuing to support Trusts to develop a consistent Regional Specification for wig provision. This work seeks to bring greater alignment and clarity across the region and to generate momentum on an issue for which, regrettably, there is no perfect solution.

I am confident that Trusts are committed to improving consistency and quality in this area. My Department will continue to monitor progress and engage with Trusts where appropriate to ensure this matter is progressed.