Welsh Wheelchair Users To Get Faster Access

Wheelchairs will be delivered to patients quicker after Wales’ health minister heard how some children had outgrown them before they arrived.

Faster access to equipment such as hearing aids and artificial limbs will also be prioritised, Health Minister Edwina Hart has said.

The Children’s Commissioner said it was “a big problem to sort out” and said services must centre on users’ needs.

Around 70,000 people in Wales are wheelchair users – one in 43 people.

The assembly government claims that though the vast majority of wheelchairs are delivered to patients within 21 days of referral, in more complex cases waiting times are sometimes longer.

In November last year the health, well-being and local government committee heard evidence from the Children’s Commissioner’s office that some children waited 15-18 months for a wheelchair to be delivered.

The assembly government has announced the establishment of a single organisation with responsibility for managing and delivering equipment to create what it calls “a specialist, dedicated service.”

The work that I’m prioritising today will ensure speedier access to equipment for those patients that currently are experiencing delays Health Minister Edwina Hart

There are currently five centres issuing equipment across Wales.

New all-Wales indicators will also be developed to show performance in ensuring fast access to equipment across the country.

Its hoped this will focus local NHS organisations’ attention on reducing waiting times.

The minister also promised a review of waiting list processes so waits for wheelchairs are brought within overall waiting time targets.

At the moment there is no target setting a maximum wait for wheelchairs.

There will also be a review of the commissioning and provision of wheelchairs for short-term loan purposes.

A project board will be established to take forward the measures and will report by June 2010.

Ms Hart said: “Across the four UK countries, Wales provides patients with the largest range of these types of equipment.

“This is a deliberate strategy to enable clinical needs to be met to best effect and avoiding unnecessary compromises in provision.

“Whilst this is a positive factor in offering choice to patients, it can have a negative impact on waiting times.

“The broader the range of equipment, the more complex the prescribing and commissioning process and, therefore, the longer the lead-in times for delivery and commissioning.

“The work that I’m prioritising today will ensure speedier access to equipment for those patients that currently are experiencing delays.”

Its a big problem to sort out – the current situation is having a detrimental impact on the development of these children Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler

In response to the minister’s announcement Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler said wheelchair services must centre on the needs of the user.

Mr Towler said: “The Welsh Government’s promise of speedier access to equipment is to be welcomed if it includes addressing the complex needs which many children have.

“The establishment of a single organisation for managing the delivery of this equipment is also a positive step, as long as it results in shorter waiting times from referral and assessment to the delivery of the chair, a consistent service across Wales and… clear lines of accountability within the system.

“It’s a big problem to sort out – the current situation is having a detrimental effect on the development of these children.

“I just hope this latest announcement focuses people’s attention and that we see change soon.”

I’m very pleased to read this article and to see that something is finally being done about the unacceptably long waits for essential equipment in Wales. If this helps even one person, it will have come on time.