Strengthening NHS wheelchair services

Jonah Weisz, a member of our Lib Dem Disability Association executive, reports back from a meeting:

"I was at Parliament on Wednesday, 11th November, for the launch of the Public Service Ombudsman's fantastic new report, Strengthening NHS wheelchair services: commissioning with confidence. 

"Its recommendations fall into three areas: 
1. stronger national oversight, data and quality assurance, with DHSC and NHS England taking a clearer role (better national data on wheelchair users, senior accountability, and quality oversight of assessment, fitting and repair); 
2. building ICB capability to commission sustainable, person-centred services; and 
3. measuring services by wheelchair users' experiences and outcomes rather than activity and spend.

“It was particularly helpful and heartwarming to meet other advocates from across the disability spectrum. In particular, discussing Lib Dem policy with the Wheelchair Alliance, whose CEO Nick Goldup was on the panel, and meeting the Motability and Brittle Bones advocacy teams meant the exertion was more than worth it.”