HWLG(3)-WS-003b - Joan Deverell

Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee

Inquiry into Wheelchair Services - Written evidence from Joan Deverell

Hi Sarita, sorry I didn't realise the Committee was meeting today regarding wheelchairs.  I would like to add a note of caution, sometimes a parent will see a wheelchair in a magazine and will decide thats what my child needs, without realising, that sometimes a child need to learn how to use a manual wheelchair in order to develop upper body strength and muscle control.  So often a well-meaning person will decide to fund raise on behalf of the family.

As for adult users, I feel that consideration should be given in some cases that we use the voucher system that works in England, that would give a user more choice. At present there are only two power chairs issued in Wales, it must be remembered that 'We do not just use a wheelchair, we Live in them'. Perhaps you would give my comments to the AM's on my behalf.

Yours,

Joan Deverell.