Inquiry into wheelchair services in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales’s Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee has begun an inquiry into wheelchair services in Wales.

In recent years the service has been criticised both for poor waiting times and for assessment and provision.

Chair of the Committee Darren Millar AM said: "A number of Assembly Members have received complaints from constituents with regard to wheelchair services in Wales and this is of significant concern to committee members, particularly where children are involved."

"We are keen to hear from anyone who has had experience of wheelchair services in Wales and want to encourage them to use this opportunity to tell us what the problems are and how they could be addressed."

"It's crucial that these services meet the needs of service users and the committee is determined to see them improve."

The Committee has agreed to examine the following issues as part of its inquiry:

· Waiting times for assessments and wheelchair provision

· The arrangements for commissioning and providing wheelchairs both through the Artificial Limb and Appliance Service and through local arrangements for short-term use

· The effectiveness of wheelchair services in meeting individual needs, such as those of children and young people, war veterans, and those with progressive conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

· The arrangements for reviewing individual need and for the updating, maintenance and repair of wheelchairs.

· Equality considerations in the provision of wheelchairs including, for example, geographical variation; provision across age-groups; issues affecting BME groups and Welsh speakers; and the accessibility of wheelchair services in terms of location, opening times and information.

· The use and effectiveness of performance and quality indicators in wheelchair services.

· The resourcing of wheelchair services in Wales.

Evidence submissions do not need to address all the above areas and the Committee welcomes written evidence from both individuals and organisations, including those with direct experience of wheelchair services in Wales. We will also be holding oral evidence sessions.

Anyone wishing to submit evidence can email the clerk of the committee at health.wellbeing.localgovt@wales.gsi.gov.uk , or write to the Clerk of the Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1NA.

Guidance for Inqury Witnesses.doc

Call for evidence.doc