This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Reinventing wheelchair services
12/09/2005
There are almost 95,000 people across Scotland using a NHS wheelchair.
A national conference in Edinburgh today will put wheelchair users, their carers and service providers at the forefront of redesigning the service.
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald stressed the importance of the ongoing review of wheelchair services. He said:
"The NHS wheelchair service in Scotland is crucial, a wheelchair can make a huge difference to a person's quality of life.
"We are committed to delivering the best possible NHS service to patients across Scotland, which is why an independent review of the NHS wheelchair service was announced earlier this year.
"Today's conference is taking forward the themes that have been emerging so far from the review. The topics discussed today will shape the public consultation which will go out later this year.
"I will be very interested to see the findings and recommendations that emerge from the review and the tangible benefits that will be delivered for patients."
Mr Macdonald also launched a booklet specifically designed by parents for parents to share experiences about having a child with movement difficulties. He said:
"This is a great tool for parents to help give them a better understanding of the choices they face when their child is diagnosed with movement difficulties.
"The health service provides a vast array of help from paediatricians to physiotherapists. However the insights of other parents who have been through similar situations are invaluable.
"I am delighted to see the collaborative approach between the Executive and parents which has resulted in this excellent booklet."
It was announced in January 2005 that NHS Quality Improvement Scotland would be commissioning an independent review of NHS wheelchair services over the long term. A public consultation on the Interim Report will commence in November 2005.
The booklet, "Wheelchairs for children: some thoughts from parents", can be obtained from Regional Wheelchair service centres or by contacting 0131 244 4049.