New scheme aims to improve access to wheelchairs

 

A new pilot project should help people who need wheelchairs, many of whom currently  face long waits before receiving the equipment they need 

The Department of Health has announced pilots in the east and south-west of England, which will help to develop a more consistent approach to the provision of wheelchairs 

Standards will be set for delivering timely services and local health trusts will be encouraged to work together, possibly combining spending power to get better value for money 

Care services minister Phil Hope said that not having the right equipment 'can restrict freedom, isolate and prevent an individual from fully contributing to society' 

'We are developing a national entitlement standard for wheelchairs services,' he confirmed 

'By combining local NHS spending power and assessing people's needs in the same way, wherever they live, we can provide better quality services and help people get on with their lives 

At present, people who need a wheelchair are referred to their local NHS Wheelchair Service for an assessment of their needs 

Timescales and funding options are then discussed before the wheelchair is provided, along with training on how to use it