Tackling Inconsistencies in Wheelchair Provision

An organisation that champions the needs of wheelchair users across England is celebrating the publication of a Quality Framework to address the wide variation in wheelchair service provision.

Five years in the making, the much-needed Framework has been produced by the Wheelchair Alliance in collaboration with the NHS England National Wheelchair Advisory Group.

Invaluable contributions were also made from clinicians, commissioners and key organisations, including the British Health Trade Association, Posture and Mobility Group, ResMag, National Wheelchair Managers Forum, Whizz Kidz and Newlife.

The purpose of the Framework is to address inconsistencies in wheelchair service provision which can affect timely access to necessary equipment and services. This often leads to a detrimental impact on clinical outcomes and, ultimately, the quality of life of those who rely on these services.

It also picks up on what good looks like for people who access wheelchair services, in the form of ‘I statements’.

The new Framework has already been published on the NHS website and distributed to integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers, with the aim to support them in delivering high-quality provision that offers improved access, outcomes and experience for wheelchair users.

“For five years we have been working incredibly hard in collaboration with NHS England National Wheelchair Advisory Group to produce a framework that enables integrated care boards and providers to provide a consistent service that represents people with lived experience,” said Nick Goldup, CEO at the Wheelchair Alliance.

“It must be remembered that wheelchairs provide a significant gateway to independence, wellbeing and quality of life for thousands of adults and children. They play a substantial role in facilitating social inclusion and improving life chances through work, education and activities that many people who do not need wheelchairs take for granted.

“That’s why we are incredibly proud to see the Quality Framework finally be published and pushed out to ICBs across the UK. But now the hard work starts and we will be partnering with commissioners and providers to ensure that it is being used to improve standards and that everyone accessing wheelchair provision are treated fairly and equally.

“We look forward to seeing how the Quality Framework can be used alongside the national dataset to lead to better commissioned services.”

More information about the Quality Framework can be found by visiting https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/wheelchair-quality-framework/

Pictured (l-r) are the directors of the Wheelchair Alliance, Jon Sawford, Nick Goldup, Ray Hodgkinson and Karen Pearce