James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will enquire into the practice of health providers such as hospitals and other health facilities refusing to reuse certain equipment (details supplied) which is perfectly fit for the use it was designed and also refusing to take back such equipment for reuse when the patient no longer has a need for it in view of her search for efficiencies and savings in the health budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43042/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive's (HSE) operational policy is to recycle aids and appliances to the greatest extent possible. The Department of Health and Children has sought a full assessment of the existing position regarding the recycling of medical equipment / aids and appliances from the Health Service Executive, to include the scope for improving the way this issue is dealt with. An examination of existing arrangements for recycling aids & appliances across all HSE locations is underway. It is envisaged that a standardised approach for the management of aids & appliances will be implemented across all HSE locations based on best practice guidelines.