NI medical supplies 'in jeopardy'

One hospital has run out of nebulisers, used by asthmatics to control breathing

The supply of essential medical products to hospitals in Northern Ireland has been put in jeopardy, a health service provider has claimed.

Stephen McCarroll, from Surgery Systems Ireland, said some local health trusts have not paid their bills on time.

He said the Belfast Trust had 170 invoices currently outstanding.

In a statement, the Belfast Trust said its payment policy was consistent with the CBI prompt payment code and government accounting rules.

Mr McCarroll said stocks in some hospitals were running low.

"We have already been notified that a Belfast hospital has completely run out of nebuliser kits," he said.

"They are used for asthmatics and people with acute respiratory conditions."

The trust said Surgery Systems Ireland had received a payment this month, with a further payment scheduled for this week.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety said Mr McCarroll had contacted them, but was referred back to the Belfast Trust.

"The target set for all health and social care trusts is to pay 95% of valid invoices within 30 days," he said.

The department has recently advised trusts to settle invoices within 10 days as a response to the current economic downturn.

In 2007-08, the Belfast Trust paid 90% of its invoices within the 30 day target.