Hair stylist hits out at inability to bid for NHS wig contracts
The Department of Health has confirmed to this newspaper that there is currently 'no regional tendering process' in place for hairdressers here.
Individuals can access free wigs through Health and Social Care services but, since 2015, only two hairdressers in the entire region have been permitted to supply wigs for NHS patients, it has been revealed.
Wigs are used by patients undergoing chemotherapy or with hair loss conditions but, due to red tape, there hasn't been a procurement exercise for three years.
One Health and Social Care Trust said that the 'non-existence of a product specification' and the 'lack of national and international standards for wigs' is the reason for this.
It comes after a Co Down hairdresser — who has been in the business for more than 30 years and does not wish to be named — said that it is 'not fair' that the process for the tender is essentially closed to newcomers.
'Some wigs can cost up to £2,000. And if I had a chance of securing this tender, some of my customers could have easier access to wigs they're entitled to under the NHS,' she told the Belfast Telegraph.
'This problem desperately needs solved but the Health Department and the Trusts aren't providing a clear pathway on how to solve this issue.
'If I had a shot at it, at least for one year, it would grow my business and allow me to hire more people. But this means no one else gets a chance.
'A lot of my customers find that the wigs help with their confidence after experiencing hair loss. It's hard for them to cope; losing your hair can be a loss of your femininity.'
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that agreement on tenders is based on a 'locally agreed criteria' through individual health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland.
'The Department of Health does not have a role in procurement of these services,' they said.
'Availability of such services is determined at Trust level and arrangements are in place to offer appliances in line with locally agreed criteria.'
The South Eastern Trust, where the hairdresser has based their business, however, said that since 2022 a procurement exercise to determine who is awarded the tender was stood down.
'The non-existence of a product specification and lack of national/international standards for wigs currently means that a regional tendering process has not been possible,' a spokesperson said.
'A procurement exercise in 2022 was stood down mainly due to a lack of a suitable product specification and national standards for the supply of wigs.
'This resulted in the procurement panel not being able to evaluate bids from a value for money perspective.'
The South Eastern Trust revealed: 'As a result, all five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) in NI are exploring the opportunity to reform wig provision.
'Legal advice sought back in 2022 indicated that due to current NI legislation and subsequent policy position, all HSCTs were limited in any changes they could make to how wigs were to be procured.
'Trust representatives, together with the DoH, have been progressing work to establish a way forward for the future supply of wigs, which will include consideration of procurement options by Procurement and Logistics Service and any legislative or policy changes required.
'In the meantime, all HSCTs have been using the services of one of two providers that had successfully tendered for the 2015 Wigs and Associated Products contract.
'A regional commissioning position on the provision of wigs across NI, encompassing cancer services, dermatology and psychiatry, is required to support implementation of any proposed change to the current process.'
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