9 months wait for Wheelchair assessments in Powys - AM outraged

1.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Jul 2008

Patients in Powys are being told they must wait 6-9 months for wheelchair assessments, following difficulties in recruiting specialist staff.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has today called upon the Minister for Health to address the unacceptable situation.

Kirsty commented: "9 months to get assessed for a wheelchair is simply not acceptable, this is not even the length of time patients are waiting to get their chair just the time to get to the first stage of assessment.

"For those with restricted mobility this is restricting their independence and in some cases maintaining their isolation and pain.

"I am pleased that the Minister has accepted that this wait is not good enough and has said that her task group will be looking at this issue. However I have concerns that while the group are deliberating there will still be patients waiting for the relief of a wheelchair. The Minister must ensure that action is taken as soon as possible to alleviate their situation."