Nicholas Soames – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Nicholas Soames on 2016-09-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how his Department uses used wheelchairs, zimmer frames, crutches and other ambulatory equipment.

David Mowat

The Department has no central role in the provision of used wheelchairs, zimmer frames, crutches and other ambulatory equipment. This is a matter for local determination.

We want to see hospitals and other settings make the best use of such equipment, providing timely access to disability equipment in order to ensure an individual’s safe discharge. This could be the difference between independence or reliance on carers, services and others. This should include considering the provision of recycled equipment where it is safe and cost-effective.