To ask the Minister of Health to detail the reasons for the delays in supplies to essential medical equipment to people living with an ostomy, such as colostomy bags, adhesive remover sprays and skin barrier wipes.

At the beginning of 2021 one of the largest wholesalers of stoma products to community pharmacies in Northern Ireland experienced slight delays in deliveries from a few companies. These companies were not fully prepared for the end of the transition period and the new systems for completing import declarations. The wholesaler helped them through this process and the issue is now resolved.

My Department has also sought assurances from direct to home stoma suppliers that these companies have resolved any issues they may have been experiencing at the beginning of the year to ensure patients experience minimal disruption using their services. No further supply disruption has been reported.

My Department is continuing to work with the pharmaceutical industry and wider supply chain to ensure supplies continue to flow into NI and residents in NI have equitable access to these supplies.