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: Standards

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what oversight they exercise over the commissioning of prosthetic and orthotic services to ensure that they are appropriately funded and that investment is linked to measurable patient outcomes.

Answer: Prosthetics is a specialised service, with commissioning transferring to integrated care boards on 1 April 2025, ensuring service providers must adhere to the national service specification and national clinical commissioning policies. Orthotic services are locally commissioned by integrated care boards or National Health Service trusts. It is the responsibility of local employers to ensure they have the right people with the right skills to meet local population needs. The Department remains committed to working with stakeholders, including the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics, to support service improvements and meet patient demand.

Secondary information