A new document published by they Department for Health has been published which provides an overview of the current state of wheelchair provision. It makes recommendations on how the NHS, working with partners, can improve outcomes for wheelchairs users.
The document - Out and About: Wheelchairs as part of a whole systems approach to independence - has been welcomed by the Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis.
The document contains key recommendations which will help with the development of a new model for delivery for wheelchair services and they include:
- Benchmarking of services to ensure all users receive the same high standard
- Promotion of voucher schemes so wheelchair users can exercise more choice
Ivan Lewis commented:
"Wheelchairs provide a significant gateway to independence, promoting well-being and quality of life for thousands of adults and children.
"We want to move to a position where wheelchair services are more flexible and responsive to individual need."
Sam Gallop, double amputee Advisor to the Associate Parliamentary Limb Loss Group and Chair of emPOWER said:
"This welcome consultative report rightly raises the profile of our wheelchair services and the many accomplished and compassionate health professionals and healthcare organisations involved. I believe that the Department and the Minister, in collaboration with users, will rapidly move forward and open new doors to independent living."
The report can be found on the Department for Health's website by clicking the following link:
Out and about - Wheelchairs as part of a whole systems approach to independence
