§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in this country are using simple Possum equipment to control their environment; what action he is taking to encourage a wider use of this equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John Dunwoody149 items of Possum equipment have been issued or are on order. 118 of these are of the "simple" type of which 92 have so far been supplied to individuals as personal issues and 17 are on order. Nine are held in suitable places for demonstration to and assessment of patients.
All doctors and hospital authorities have been told about the equipment and patients who might benefit from it are considered by specialist medical assessors. We are considering whether a reminder could usefully be given to those responsible for potential users and if my hon. Friend has cases in mind where inadequate encouragement appears to have been given I would be glad to know about them.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in this country are using advanced Possum equipment to enable them to earn a living; what action he is taking to 31W encourage a wider use of this equipment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyI understand that 13 users of advanced Possum equipment are in full-time paid employment. The National Health Service provides basic equipment designed to compensate for the loss of muscular function; supplementary apparatus which in effect constitutes the tools of the trade is not supplied under the National Health Service but severely disabled people who are registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts as capable of remunerative employment may apply to the Department of Employment and Productivity for assistance with aids necessary to enable them to take up employment.