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.