To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the work to develop a regional specification for wigs will conclude.

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.

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.

In the absence of a viable regional tender process, South Eastern HSC Trust has developed a wig specification and tested the market through an Expressions of Interest (EOI) exercise. The EOI process was successful and a contract has been awarded to a provider via this process which will still be facilitated via a Direct Award Contract (DAC) between the successful provider and the Trust.

My Department is continuing to support Trusts to develop a consistent Regional Specification for wig provision which may include learning from the Specification developed by South Eastern HSC Trust however it is not the Departments role to assess specifications. 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. Due to the reasons outlined above it is difficult to predict when this work will conclude. However, 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.