John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1096. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the management of fracture clinics (details supplied) in view of the fact that advanced practice physiotherapists are responsible for managing the virtual clinics but are unable to order x-rays. [19183/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The virtual fracture clinic model is a well proven model for delivering safe and effective care to patients with minor injuries. The model in the Irish context is relatively new and is built on a multidisciplinary approach to care delivery based on patient need. It is delivered through a combined clinical approach overseen by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and / or Advanced Nurse Practitioner with other clinical practitioners such as physiotherapists managing episodes of care.  The requirement for physiotherapists to order x-rays needs to be determined in the Irish context of the virtual model. If a requirement is established in the future then legislation changes supported by a professional position, development of relevant education and competency standards of practice will also be required.