§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many electric wheelchairs were issued or paid for by Eastbourne and County Healthcare Trust in each of the last three years. [98195]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information requested is given in the table.
Financial year Number issued April 1996-March 1997 0 April 1997-March 1998 22 April 1998-March 1999 13 Figures given in the table are the number of electric wheelchairs issued by Eastbourne and County Healthcare National Health Service Trust.
§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase funding for electric wheelchairs in East Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [98196]
§ Mr. HuttonWheelchair services for residents of East Sussex are provided by Eastbourne and County Healthcare National Health Service Trust and Hastings and Rother NHS Trust.
Eastbourne and County Healthcare NHS Trust are presently discussing with Eastbourne Downs Primary Care Group the possibility of increasing funding for Electrically Powered Indoor Chairs. Hastings and Rother NHS Trust will shortly be considering increasing funding for Electrically Powered Indoor Chairs. Any increases in funding will be dependent on local priorities.