Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the practice in acute hospitals whereby crutches returned by patients who no longer need them are dumped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12612/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware that some hospitals have excellent protocols and practice for management of reusable equipment, including crutches, but this is not the case in a number of other hospitals. I have asked my officials to consult the Health Service Executive to request the executive to extend best practice for the reuse of crutches throughout the hospital system. As the Deputy is aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. Through the executive I expect that a consistent approach will be taken to reusing crutches in acute hospitals.