AQO 2622/22-27


Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford


Tabled Date: 16/10/2025
Answered On Date: 31/10/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on work within his Department to establish a regional policy and specification for the future supply of wigs.


Answer:
I recognise that hair loss resulting from a medical condition or treatment can be both physically and emotionally distressing for patients, and having access to a good quality wig is an important part of their recovery and wellbeing.
The provision of wigs is managed by each Health and Social Care Trust in line with their responsibilities for ensuring that patients have access to appropriate medical devices in line with their clinical needs, and that contracts with suppliers deliver safety, quality and value for money. This involves developing appropriate specifications and procuring the necessary products and services required to fulfil these responsibilities.
As such, my Department does not set policy or specifications for individual medical devices, rather it is the case that these Trust processes are guided by relevant procurement and effective use of resources policies.
However, I am aware that Trusts have encountered challenges in developing a specification for wigs which has made it difficult to progress a regional tender and has led to alternative approaches being considered in recent years. These challenges include variation in patient needs, differences in supplier offerings, and the absence of a recognised framework or standard for quality and value of wigs.
Despite this, I understand that Trusts are currently exploring options for a regional solution that would allow them to approach the market collectively. This is aimed at securing provision that is high quality, equitable, and value for public money. My Department will continue to encourage and support this work as required.
In the meantime, each Trust maintains its own arrangements for wig provision through contractual arrangements with existing wig providers to ensure patients continue to receive appropriate support.