AQW 26399/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department provides any financial support to those with essential medical equipment at home in relation to energy costs.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 30 April 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 30 April 2025
- Answer due by
- 16 May 2025
- Answered
- 21 May 202521 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The only service area where payment is routinely made in respect of energy costs is Nephrology, where Home Haemodialysis (HHD) patients get £50 a month to go towards electricity costs. This payment is made by BHSCT to all HHD patients regardless of which health trust their care is under.
A reimbursement arrangement is also in place for patients using Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) machines. Usage is significantly less than the HHD machines and therefore payment reflects this. The amount paid in respect of PD usage is £2.36 per week.
There is a rebate scheme for reimbursement for patients in receipt of home oxygen. This is not administered by Trusts but NIE in conjunction with BOC (British Oxygen Company).