To ask the Minister of Health (i) what plans he has for the establishment of a regional commissioning pathway on insulin pumps; (ii) whether funding will be made available; and (iii) what steps he is taking to address the current waiting list for insulin pumps for diabetics.

The Strategic Framework for Diabetes in Northern Ireland was launched in 2016 as part of a series of initiatives to support “Health and Well-Being 2026, Delivering Together”. The Framework was published in conjunction with the formation of a Diabetes Network which enables people living with diabetes and frontline experts to co-design services to bring improvements for people living with the condition.

The Diabetes Commissioning Team within the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency commission the purchase of insulin pumps in line with Trust requirements. HSC Trusts undertake an annual needs assessment exercise to inform pump requirements, which takes into account their available staffing capacity to educate new patients on the use of the pump.

I can confirm that funding continues to be made available to purchase insulin pumps for those patients who have not had one to date; to provide for consumable costs associated with the pumps; and for the purchase of replacement pumps where the manufacturer’s warranty has expired on pumps previously provided to patients.

Insulin pumps are not however clinically suitable for everyone and I understand that other factors often contribute to the delay in a patient getting access to an insulin pump including the suitability of this type of treatment for the patient concerned, adherence to NICE guidelines, patient readiness and clinical priority.

The Diabetes Network has made access to insulin pumps a high priority and has recognised the importance of a sustainable regional approach to the acquisition, utilisation and replacement of insulin pumps with an emphasis on equity and safety. The Diabetes Network has established a Task and Finish group with involvement of Diabetes UK and HSC Trusts to consider and scope a regional service model for insulin pumps.