§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research has his Department undertaken or is in process of carrying out on making commode wheelchairs less uncomfortable ; whether he has considered the possibility of extended research on the use of the ripple cushion principle ; and if he will make funds available for this research.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyConsiderable improvements have been made in the comfort of commode wheelchairs in recent years, and efforts to improve them further will continue. Adjustments to meet individual needs are made as necessary. There are no plans to extend research into the ripple cushion principle, the value of which in appropriate circumstances is already recognised.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that the present commode chairs avail- 120W able to National Health Service patients are uncomfortable when used for any length of time and frequently are a cause of sores which can lead to lengthy hospitalisation ; why commode chairs supplied by the National Health Service are not available in a variety of sizes suitable to patients of different builds like other wheelchairs so issued ; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyCommode wheelchairs are usually fully upholstered and are available in both standard sizes and in non-standard sizes to meet individual needs. Complaints are now rare but any individual difficulty receives special attention.