DEPUTIES would not have fully understood the needs of the island’s disabled if they had seen only the amended version of a wheelchair report, according to the Guernsey Disability Alliance.
A watered-down version of a highly-critical report into wheelchair provision was handed out to deputies. The Health and Social Services Department was said to have attempted to hide behind data protection legislation to justify the second version.
On Wednesday Deputy Mike Hadley (pictured), a former HSSD member, handed out the complete report to his colleagues.
‘We’re pleased to see that deputies now have access to a full version of the occupational therapy team’s excellent wheelchair report,’ said the alliance’s Shelaine Green.
‘I don’t think many of the deputies would have understood from the short version just what a problem getting a suitable, well-maintained wheelchair is for many disabled islanders.’
Miss Green said the occupational therapy team did its absolute best for alliance members in difficult circumstances and it was deeply grateful. She added that a proper wheelchair service needed a dedicated team and resources, like in Jersey and the Isle of Wight.
‘While HSSD delays, their occupational therapists continue to cover the gap, as they have done for years, without the right support, training, staffing levels or facilities.
‘The wheelchair report is a legitimate cry for help from a dedicated group of professionals who know that patients’ health and independence is being compromised.’
Health played down the original report, saying that as research was carried out in 2007, some of it was out of date.
‘The abridged version of the report was produced with the agreement of the department’s occupational therapists as an appropriate summary of the original report.
‘It omitted any references that could identify individuals and also omitted out-of-date information. The HSSD had previously advised all States members that it was organising a special presentation for them to bring them fully up to date.’
Article posted on 27th February, 2009 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: