Powered Wheelchair Provision "Unacceptable", UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 19 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The MS Society is extremely concerned that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) across Devon have to wait years to receive the powered wheelchair they so desperately need and is backing the intervention of Teign MP, Richard Younger-Ross.

MS can have a severe impact on mobility and wheelchairs can be an essential part of maintaining a person's independence and wellbeing. Therefore the current average waiting time of more than three years for a person with MS to even be assessed is dreadful.

Emily Sam, Policy and Campaigns Officer, said: "The MS Society believes statutory services should be able to provide them quickly and efficiently and such unacceptable delays not only significantly limit a person's ability to participate in activities, but also cause great distress and an increased burden on carers.

"We are pleased that the Department of Health is carrying out a review of NHS Wheelchair Services and will be presenting a business case to the health minister at the end of the year.

"It is vital these reflect the views and experiences of people with MS and we are working with the Department of Health to ensure this is achieved."

We are happy that Kevin Snee, Chief Executive of Devon Primary Care Trust - who stated that the average waiting time was three and a half years - describes the situation as unacceptable and that he is aware of the need for improvements and the detrimental effect on peoples' lives the current delay is having.

The MS Society is committed to working to improve access to wheelchair services and will continue to push authorities to reform their processes and ensure a responsive service is available to all people with MS.

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/

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