FROM RUTH KITCHING
Local health chiefs and council are to review wheelchair services and are asking patients and carers with current or previous experience of using a wheelchair to give their views.
In partnership, North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and North Lincolnshire Council are encouraging wheelchair service users, their family/carers and health and social care professionals or charitable organisations with experience or an interest in this area to share their views which will then be used to drive improvements to wheelchair provision across North Lincolnshire.
The wheelchair service provides local residents with wheelchair or specialist seating needs information, advice and assessments to determine the most appropriate support needed. The service also delivers wheelchair or seating equipment and is responsible for its on-going maintenance and repairs.
Dr Margaret Sanderson, Clinical Chair of North Lincolnshire CCG, said: “As a CCG we want to commission services that are driven by the needs of local people. It is fundamental that we acknowledge and understand service user experience of wheelchair services in order for us to improve them further. I would encourage anyone who uses wheelchair services or carers to complete the short survey and help us provide a wheelchair service fit for purpose designed by its users.”
Coun Rob Waltham, of Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health, Strategic Projects and Regeneration, said: “Finding out the needs of residents in North Lincolnshire is vital as this helps us identify if any improvements need to be made; ensuring they receive the best possible services. Accessibility is a top priority so I would urge all wheelchair users or carers to complete the survey and have their say. This will provide us with a greater understanding of your needs and support any future decision-making.”
To have your say on Wheelchair Services you can:
• Complete our online survey https://www.research.net/r/wchair
• Call us on 0300 3000 563 and ask for a paper or large print version of the survey to be sent to you together with a FREEPOST envelope
• If you would prefer to talk to someone over the phone about your experiences call us on 0300 3000 563
• Email: nlccg.embrace@nhs.net
Just a general comment - Should there be a system to certify that folks really need an electric wheel-chair?
ReplyDeleteI suspicious that a group of people are using such wheel-chairs as a convenience resulting from their laziness, rather than their physical need.