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Written question asked by Lord Shinkwin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Prosthetics: Health Professions

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk that university programme closures or reductions could pose to the future supply of prosthetists and orthotists; and what contingency plans are in place to sustain education and training provision for these professions.

Answer

As a small and vulnerable profession, course closures or reductions pose a considerable risk to the future supply of prosthetists and orthotists.

The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the Department for Education to support the availability of a diverse range of training routes into health and care careers. While the Government is committed to ensuring sustainable training pathways for the future supply of prosthetics and orthotists, higher education institutions are independent providers and are responsible for making their own decisions about course delivery and viability.

NHS England has a focussed programme for small and vulnerable professions, including prosthetics and orthotics, and has recently commissioned the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists to help maintain and strengthen training and education pathways for pre‑registration learners.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14885
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Closures Health professions Universities Training Prosthetics
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk