§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to health authorities on the supply of wheelchairs to disabled people. [33730]
§ Mr. BowisWe have recently issued HSG(96)34 to health authorities. This gives guidance on the provision of indoor-outdoor powered wheelchairs, which the Government have made available on the national health service for the first time.
§ Mr. MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list those health authorities which no longer supply wheelchairs to disabled people unable to walk outside their homes; [33731]
(2) what provision he proposes to make to ensure that disabled people who are occasional users of a wheelchair have access to a wheelchair suitable for their needs. [33732]
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§ Mr. BowisWheelchair services are the responsibility of health authorities. It is for health authorities and the wheelchair service centres that provide the service to set their own criteria and priorities.
§ Mr. MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many wheelchairs are currently on loan from the NHS; and if he will breakdown the ages of the users into the following groups(a) 10 to 20 years, (b) 20 to 40 years, (c) 40 to 50 years, (d) 50 to 60 years, (e) 60 to 70 years, (f) 70 to 80 years and (g) 80 years-plus. [33733]
§ Mr. MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what correspondence he has had with the Royal Associations for Disability and Rehabilitation regarding the wheelchair service offered by Sandwell health authority; and if he will make a statement. [33734]
§ Mr. BowisI have seen the correspondence between Mr. Bert Massie of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation and my officials, It is for health authorities to set their own criteria for the provision of wheelchairs within the increased resources available.