Welsh Conservatives have today condemned the postcode lottery that is seeing wheelchair users in North and Mid Wales waiting up to twice as long for a wheelchair as those in South Wales.
Commenting on the Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee’s inquiry into wheelchair services in Wales, Shadow Minister for Health Andrew RT Davies AM said:
“This inquiry confirms further failures by the Health Minister and her department in meeting the needs of wheelchair users in Wales.
“We must not underestimate how much difference having the appropriate mobility equipment can make to a person’s quality of life.
“The Health Minister gave members assurances back in March that the shortfall in wheelchair services would be addressed urgently but clearly this hasn’t happened.
“It is particularly concerning that users with complex needs, including children, can experience the longest waits.
“The Minister must now take meaningful measures to ensure that the disgraceful shortfall in wheelchair provision is comprehensively addressed.
“The postcode lottery that exists for wheelchair users is simply unacceptable.”
