National guidelines for working in partnership with NHS Wheelchair Services were announced today by the British Red Cross. They will lead to the formalising of a system which has, for many years, provided Red Cross wheelchairs to patients on discharge from hospital.
Growing demands on the NHS, such as the increase in day surgery and the shorter periods of time which patients spend in hospital, have led to more and more people being referred to the Red Cross for wheelchairs which the NHS is unable to provide. To date, this has been done on an informal basis, putting some strain on the charityts limited resources.
The guidelines provide a blueprint for setting up arrangements under contract or service agreement to provide wheelchairs for patients who have had an accident or surgery, or who need assistance with mobility on an occasional or part-time basis.
The key points for both the Red Cross and the NHS to consider before agreeing a contract are:
Being able to have immediate access to a wheelchair via the Red Cross means peace of mind for patients and their carers. Individuals will not have to stay in hospital for unnecessarily extended periods, they can be mobile and independent, and their partners or relatives will not have to worry about trying to find a wheelchair or be burdened with the extra responsibilities of looking after an immobile person.
Says Marion Lowe, Director of UK Operations, British Red Cross: The Red Cross has long been a provider of wheelchairs and other medical equipment to vulnerable people in times of emergency. However, the way in which we deliver our services needs to be constantly reviewed so that our high standards can be maintained.
GUIDELINES FOR WHEELCHAIR LOANS 2
British Red Cross runs over 1000 depots in the UK which lend wheelchairs and other items such as commodes and bathseats. In 1994, 3,000 volunteers provided this service loaning a total of 233,000 items.
British Red Cross provides wheelchairs for short term needs, for example: prior to a hip replacement, following an accident, following surgery when the leg is in a cast,
for terminal crisis care. There is also a growing need for children's wheelchairs.
In 1995 loans of wheelchairs in particular areas were as follows:
London 12,000
Cheshire 3,000 Gtr Manchester 2,700
Berkshire 800
"We became aware that we were receiving increasing numbers of wheelchair referrals from the NHS. We do have a role to play in supporting the statutory authorities, but in order to provide an effective service, particularly for the service users, the relationship needs to be cemented and appropriate funding provided."
Local Branches of the Red Cross and NHS Wheelchair Services will now begin discussions to implement the guidelines in their own areas.
For further information contact Alex Tilley 0171 201 5016 or Catherine Nestor 0171 201 5018