Request for Numerous Wheelchair Service Policies, Procedures and Processes
| Authority | Department of Health and Social Care |
|---|---|
| Date received | 2017-01-19 |
| Outcome | All information sent |
| Outcome date | 2017-01-30 |
| Case ID | 355121 |
Summary
The Department of Health and Social Care responded to a Freedom of Information request regarding wheelchair service policies, procedures, and repair processes by providing the full 'Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating' policy document. The response detailed specific repair timeframes, contractor information, and liability waiver procedures for decommissioned equipment.
Key Facts
- Wheelchair repairs are carried out by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), Health at Noble's Hospital.
- Non-emergency repairs for Category 3 users or operable chairs must be completed within 3 working days.
- Emergency repairs for Category 1, 2, and 4 users where the chair is unsuitable for use must be completed within 24 hours.
- Users wishing to retain a decommissioned wheelchair must sign a waiver of liability.
- The response included the 'Primary Care Directorate, Community Health Services, Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Version 2.2' policy dated June 2016.
Data Disclosed
- 2017-01-19
- 2017-01-30
- 23 January 2017
- June 2016
- Version 2.2
- 3 working days
- 24 hours
- IM74750I
- 25
- 1
Data Tables (13)
| Reader Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Number | PC49 | ||
| Title | Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs, and Specialist Seating | ||
| Author/Contact Details | Michelle Breed Therapy Service Manager Crookall House | ||
| Publication Date | June 2016 | ||
| Target Audience | Colleagues and Users | ||
| Description | This document describes the situations in which the Isle of Man Wheelchair Service assesses for, provides, services and repairs long term loan wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are provided in instances where the limitation of mobility / walking seriously limits, or increases the risk, of a patient’s ability to safely participate in everyday activities and where providing a wheelchair will enable them to do so. | ||
| Changes | |||
| Cross Reference | |||
| Superseded Documents | 1 |
| Type of Wheelchair | Definition of the Chair Group | Usual Criteria for Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Attendant Manual Wheelchair | A standard chair that requires an attendant to push the chair. Small wheels at the back prevent user being able to propel the chair. These chairs are foldable for transportation | The patient has a carer, who is able and willing to manage and manoeuvre the wheelchair safely. The patient is not medically fit to self propel. |
| Self – Propelled Manual Wheelchair | A standard chair with large wheels at the rear allowing the user to propel themselves or have an attendant assist them. These chairs are foldable for transportation | The patient must be deemed medically fit to self propel and this should not be detrimental to their medical condition. The patient has ability and will use a self-propelling wheelchair to allow a degree of indoor/outdoor mobility, which will increase independence and function. In exceptional circumstances, may be provided for carers who would benefit from improved, manoeuvrability gained by large rear wheels |
| Active User Manual Wheelchair (quickie style) | Originally designed for sport, active user chairs are more flexible than the standard chairs and can be adjusted to meet the individual requirements of users so that he/she can achieve the maximum amount of mobility. They have quick release wheels, multiple axle positions and frames that are available in a wide variety of sizes. | The criteria for a self-propelling wheelchair must be met. The patient is dependent on wheelchair mobility equipment indoors and outdoors for the majority of the day. The patient’s medical condition results in a reduced strength and/or major excessive activity would result in deterioration of the patient’s medical condition. The patient meets the criteria and their lifestyle needs and ability must be such that maximum independence and mobility will be gained by such provision. |
| Type of Wheelchair | Definition of the Chair Group | Usual Criteria for Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Buggy | A buggy is a type of pushchair allowing a patient (generally a child) clinically appropriate mobility beyond that which can be provided through generally available pushchairs. | Meets criteria re assistance with outdoor mobility i.e. can only walk short distances due to physical problems To facilitate opportunities to participate in activities such as playing in the playground, where they would not have the energy to do so if they had had to walk there first. Child typically over 30 months of age and are either too tall or heavy for a commercial buggy for mobility need |
| Specialist Buggy | A buggy is a type of pushchair allowing a patient (generally a child) clinically appropriate seating and mobility beyond that which can be provided through generally available pushchairs. | Buggies may be provided as an alternative to a wheelchair, where it best meets the clinical and mobility needs, usually issued to children.Child requires additional postural support to provide a good symmetrical posture and enable them to be upright for their physical wellbeing and social interaction.Where a wheelchair is not deemed the most suitable option or parents/guardians are not at a stage of acceptance to transition from using a buggy to a wheelchair for practical or emotional reasons. |
| Tilt in Space Wheelchair (Manual) | A tilt in space chair is one with a mechanism that allows for the whole seat system to be tilted, rather than just the back rest reclined, thus aiding a change in position for pressure relief while maintaining postural support. | These wheelchairs are provided where the tilt facility is the only way of maintaining sitting balance/posture within a chair, in combination with managing the requirements of the patient’s physical needs. The patient is fully dependent on the provision of a chair for postural support, positioning and comfort. Pressure care will be considered in all wheelchairs. Carers can demonstrate that they are able to operate the system safely, access transport and detach component parts for safety and comfort of the patient. These chairs will not be provided solely to overcome moving, handling and hoisting issues. |
| Electric Powered Indoor/Outdoor Chair (EPIOC) | A wheelchair with electric motors controlled by the user for indoor and outdoor use. | These wheelchairs will be considered when other possibilities have been excluded and the Criteria for EPIC provision are met and the user also needs the chair for regular outdoor use. This will depend on the patient’s individual needs and their capabilities. Clinical need and the environment at home will be assessed by the Wheelchair Service. The home should be accessible i.e. ramps or level access from indoors to outdoors. Where these are not present but could be installed, relevant referrals can be made to appropriate services for adaptations to be carried out, prior to a chair being issued. The patient has the ability to comply with the DVLA requirements for motor vehicle drivers concerning epilepsy and other causes of loss of consciousness (see document vi – Epilepsy Guidelines) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrically Powered Outdoor Chair | A wheelchair with electric motors controlled by the user. This is designed for outdoor use. | In addition to the main criteria relating to having a condition that permanently seriously affects a patient’s ability to walk, the patient must have clinical needs in relation to posture, pressure and pain which means that a scooter cannot be used. AND The patient is going to use the chair outside on a frequent basis to undertake core activities of daily living. Although the patient may not meet the criteria for an EPIOC chair we may meet the patient’s needs within this section of the criteria with the provision of an EPIOC chair. |
| Type of Wheelchair | Definition of the Chair Group | Usual Criteria for Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Class Three Vehicle/Wheelchair | A powered wheelchair for use on roads/highways with a maximum speed limit of 8mph and facility to travel at 4mph on footways. | These are only issued in one exceptional circumstance where the patient’s weight and size precludes the use of other wheelchairs. |
| Cushions, Accessories and Modifications associated with Wheelchair provision | Cushions, accessories and modifications will be provided as appropriate following assessment for clinical need. Cushions are provided to achieve comfort, satisfactory posture and increased stability and to aid pressure ulcer prevention and management. Where there is a need to support the management of acute pressure sores the Wheelchair Service will liaise with the Community Nursing Service or the Tissue Viability Service. Cushions will be considered for private chairs relating to an individual patient’s case. |
| HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Children with a rapidly deteriorating condition or short prognosis. | Assessment required to enable issue of correct size wheelchair. | None. |
| Children requiring independent mobility (manual or powered) indoors. | Existing commercial buggy outgrown or transportable buggy required for school attendance. | (Requests for provision of standard Major Elite buggies will be met via direct issue). |
| The inability to sit in a commercially available buggy and a requirement for postural support to enable outdoor mobility. | Children requiring increased postural support but not immediately at risk in current privately owned equipment. | |
| The long term need for a wheelchair (self or attendant propelled) for essential mobility indoors, to enable discharge from hospital. |
| HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Children with a rapidly deteriorating condition or short prognosis. A sudden deterioration in posture associated with a rapid growth spurt. Children at risk of injury through continued use of existing equipment. For example: • Pressure ulcer or marking; • Self harming behaviour; • Tipping or rocking the buggy/wheelchair. | A review of existing equipment is required due to a change in clinical need. For example: • The equipment has been outgrown; • A buggy is no longer age appropriate; • Manual handling risk for carers; • Alternative postural support is needed but the child is not immediately at risk in the existing equipment. A self-propelling wheelchair, EPIC or EPIOC is required to enable functional independent mobility. Equipment on issue is clinically appropriate but a voucher is required to enable funding for a wheelchair with additional functional or lifestyle features that would benefit the child. | Request for assessment under the Bursary Scheme where the existing equipment is clinically appropriate and where there would be no clinical or functional benefit for the child. For example: • Parents do not like the appearance of the existing equipment; • Parents wish to purchase a higher specification wheelchair for outdoor use only. |
| HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Adults with a rapidly deteriorating condition or short prognosis. The need for essential functional independent mobility due to living alone or spending a substantial part of the day alone. To enable discharge from hospital, an adult with a long term need for a wheelchair requires one in the home either for independent mobility or as an essential mobility aid for use by a carer. The existence of a pressure ulcer over any area of skin that would come into contact with the wheelchair or seating system that would be supplied. | Adults at risk of postural deterioration. Adults with a stable or slowly deteriorating condition who require assessment. Requests for assessment as a result of any other issues highlighted at the time of initial referral. | Requests for assessment for provision of equipment under the partnership Voucher Scheme. Requests for assessment for a wheelchair mainly for outdoor use or very limited indoor use. |
| HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW |
|---|---|---|
| Adults with a rapidly deteriorating condition or short prognosis. An acute exacerbation occurring in a condition characterised by relapses and remissions. The risk of injury if current equipment continues to be used or notification that an incident has occurred. The existence of a pressure ulcer over any area of skin that comes into contact with the wheelchair or seating system that has been supplied. An ongoing period of intervention requiring further action and appointments. | Adults who are totally dependent or dependant on a wheelchair for a substantial part of every day and require a review of existing equipment due to a change in clinical need. The risk of postural deterioration. Adults with a stable or slowly deteriorating condition who require re-assessment. | Requests for assessment for provision of equipment under the partnership Voucher Scheme. Requests for re-assessment as a result of any other issues identified. Requests for review despite the fact that existing equipment meets current clinical needs. |
| Grade | Description of User | Equipment Needs |
|---|---|---|
| 1. (CAT 4) | PART TIME USER SHORT TERM – Temporary requirement due to accident or operation. (May include terminal care) | Pushed or self-propelling standard. Special chair may be required e.g. recliner for full leg plaster or hip spica. |
| 2. (CAT 3) | PART TIME USER LONG TERM – Ability to walk short distances. Requires wheelchair on regular basis for outdoor use or to enhance quality of life for user/carer. | Pushed standard or lightweight self propelling standard. Buggies for children. |
| 3. (CAT 2) | PART TIME USER LONG TERM – variable walking ability due to fluctuating condition. High degree of independent life-style but requires wheelchair to maintain level of independence and quality of life. | Self propelling standard or lightweight. |
| 4. (CAT 1) | FULL TIME USER LOW ACTIVITY – limited or lack of ability to self propel. Dependent for many daily living needs. | Pushed or self propelling standard or buggy. Specialist chassis for custom- made seat. |
| 5. (CAT 1) | FULL TIME USER ACTIVE – unable to self propel. Independent mobility with powered wheelchair. Degree of independence in daily living activities. | EPIC & EPIOC depending on ability/environment + motivation + transit. Transit for travel. |
| 6. (CAT 1) | FULL TIME USER ACTIVE – Independent mobility and lifestyle. Appropriate equipment reduces dependence on others and improves quality of life. | Self propelling standard or high performance (adjustable stability by change of wheel position). |
| Referrals | Minimum Response Time in Working Days |
|---|---|
| All referrals will be screened by approved personnel within the service | 2 |
| Referrals will be acknowledged to the referrer | 5 |
| Incomplete referrals will be returned to the referrer | 2 |
| From receipt of referral to assessment | 15 |
| From prescription to delivery for following types of equipment: | |
| 1 Locally held stock. | 15 |
| 2 Orders from manufacturers | 30 |
| 3 Made to measure | 30 to 65 |
| For Type 3 the Service will obtain an estimated date of delivery from the manufacturer and inform the client within: | 5 |
| Non-emergency Repairs will be completed in: | 3 |
| Cat 3 user or if chair is operable and safe without urgent repair | |
| Emergency Repairs/Responses will be within: | 24 hours |
| Cat 1 ,Cat 2 and Cat 4 users where the chair is unsuitable for use without repair | |
| Deliveries will be completed within: | 5 |
| Collections should be completed within: | 5 |
| ISLE OF MAN WHEELCHAIR SERVICE REFERRAL FORM This form must be completed by a GP or AHP. When fully completed, please send the form to the Wheelchair Service, CCHC, Douglas:- Tel: 01624 642147 Email: Maria.Efthymiou@nobles.dhss.gov.im (Nb. Incomplete forms may be returned and therefore could result in a delay to the assessment of a wheelchair) |
|---|
| REFERRERS NAME/ROLE TEL NO: DATE OF REFERRAL: |
| HAS THE CLIENT CONSENTED TO THIS REFERRAL? PLEASE CIRCLE YES NO CLIENT DETAILS |
| SURNAME TITLE: MR/MRS/MISS/MS/MASTER |
| FORENAME(S): DATE OF BIRTH: |
| ADDRESS/POSTCODE: |
| TEL NO: |
| NOK’S NAME/TEL NO: RELATIONSHIP: CONSENT TO CONTACT: YES/NO |
| G.P/SURGERY |
| IS AN INTERPRETER REQUIRED? NO YES WHAT LANGUAGE?: |
| PHYSICAL INFORMATION |
| DIAGNOSIS AND ONSET: |
| PREVIOUS MEDICAL HISTORY – INCLUDING CARDIAC/RESPIRATORY/NEUROLOGICAL/POSTURAL LIMITATIONS: |
| MEDICATION, IF KNOWN |
| HEIGHT: WEIGHT: PRESSURE CARE ISSUES? PLEASE CIRCLE & STATE YES NO MOBILITY/TRANSFER METHOD: CARER LIMITATIONS: |
| VISION: NO PROBLEMS NEEDS GLASSES VISUAL IMPAIRMENT (STATE) REGISTERED BLIND |
| HEARING: NO PROBLEMS IMPAIRED DEAF |
| COGNITIVE/PERCEPTUAL IMPAIRMENT? |
| SEATED MEASUREMENTS - HIP WIDTH: HIP DEPTH: LEG LENGTH: |
| REASON FOR WHEELCHAIR REQUEST |
| CURRENT WHEELCHAIR: YES* NO *IF YES, GIVE DETAILS (MODEL/ASSET NO IF CCHC STOCK/?PRIVATE) |
| CATEGORY OF NEED: PERMANENT NEED HOSPITAL DISCHARGE-PERMANENT SHORT TERM REHAB |
| TYPE OF WHEELCHAIR REQUESTED: ATTENDANT PROPELLED SELF-PROPELLED POWERED |
| HOW OFTEN WILL THE WHEELCHAIR BE USED?: <3 DAYS A WEEK OVER 3 DAYS A WEEK DAILY |
| WHERE WILL THE WHEELCHAIR WANT TO BE USED? INDOORS ONLY OUTDOORS ONLY IN & OUTDOORS WORK SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED EG. ACCESS ISSUES/DOOR WIDTHS? |
| TRANSPORT USED: (PLEASE STATE)- |
Full Response Text
Department of Health and Social Care
Rheynn Slaynt as Kiarail y Theay
REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2015 (“the Act”)
Thank you for your request dated 19th January 2017
Your request
You asked for:
“Question 1 - I would like to have a copy of:-
•
the policy for Wheelchair provision
•
the policy, procedure and process for repairing prescribed wheelchairs.
•
The policy, procedure and process for the issue of a replacement/courtesy
wheelchair while any repairs are carried out when the individual user is reliant on
their wheelchair”
“Question 2 - Please provide a copy of the indemnity policy which waives liability against the DHSC when they leave an individual with an old de-commissioned wheelchair or no wheelchair”
“Question 3 - The length of time that is considered acceptable for wheelchair repairs to be completed”
“Question 4 - The eligibility criteria and process for patients who must be issued with a suitable temporary wheelchair whilst their wheelchair is being repaired”
“Question 5 - If a temporary wheelchair is issued please provide a copy of your assessment process which is used to define the type of wheelchair that can be issued to the individual on a temporary basis and what steps are taken to ensure that this wheelchair does not have a detrimental impact on their health and well being”
“Question 6 -Does the DHSC use any third party contractors to repair wheelchairs? If so which?”
Chief Executive Malcolm Couch
Department of Health & Social Care Chief Executive’s Office Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man, IM1 3QA
Direct Dial No:
(01624) 686324 Email:
FOI.DHSC@gov.im
Website:
www.gov.im/dhss Date:
23 January 2017
FOI Reference: IM74750I
Page 1 of 5 FOIA/DHSC/12
“Question 7 - A list of the contractual obligations the supplier/contractor has to fulfil, including a copy of the repairs schedule, and the designated timescale for repair to be completed”
“Question 8 - A copy of the complaints policy identifying how a service user can formally complain about a failure in service in relation to the repair of a wheelchair”
“Question 9 - The contact details of the appropriate person a wheelchair user can contact in relation to the above”
“Question 10 - A copy of the monitoring arrangements in relation to no.7 which are in place to ensure the contractor/ supplier identified in no.6 above is performing” Response to your request We are pleased to be able to provide a response to your request with answers to your questions. Please find enclosed the following Policy: Primary Care Directorate, Community Health Services, Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Version 2.2 June 2016
For ease, I have extrapolated the relevant information or provided reference contained within the attached policy to answer your questions. Question 1 - I would like to have a copy of:-
• the policy for Wheelchair provision – see enclosed
• the policy, procedure and process for repairing prescribed wheelchairs. –
The relevant section of the Wheelchair policy is:
“8. Service and Repair
8.1
The service and repair of each chair is carried out by the DOI, Health at
Noble’s Hospital. This service is accessed via the Wheelchair Service telephone
number and by the user giving the correct asset number to the administrator.
Dependent upon the category of user, the service and repair is prioritised in
accordance with the Healthcare Standards for Wheelchairs 2015 (Appendix 6)”
• the policy, procedure and process for the issue of a replacement/courtesy wheelchair while any repairs are carried out when the individual user is reliant on their wheelchair
Within the enclosed policy please refer to “Section 3. Who is entitled to a wheelchair?”
Page 2 of 5 FOIA/DHSC/12
Question 2 - Please provide a copy of the indemnity policy which waives liability against the DHSC when they leave an individual with an old de-commissioned wheelchair or no wheelchair
The usual process is to remove the unserviceable wheelchair from the user, however if the user has a desire to retain their ‘old’ wheelchair they are required to sign a waiver of liability instructing said user that the wheelchair is decommissioned from service.
Question 3 - The length of time that is considered acceptable for wheelchair repairs to be completed
The relevant section of the Wheelchair policy is:
“Appendix 6 – Response Times (to patient)”
Non-emergency repairs will be completed in:
3 working days
Cat 3 user or if chair is operable and safe without urgent repair
3 working days
Emergency Repairs/Responses will be within:
24 hours
Cat 1, Cat 2 and Cat 4 users where the chair is unsuitable for use without repair
24 hours
Question 4 - The eligibility criteria and process for patients who must be issued with a suitable temporary wheelchair whilst their wheelchair is being repaired
This is completed upon initial assessment dependent upon the needs of the patient.
Question 5 - If a temporary wheelchair is issued please provide a copy of your assessment process which is used to define the type of wheelchair that can be issued to the individual on a temporary basis and what steps are taken to ensure that this wheelchair does not have a detrimental impact on their health and well being
This is completed upon initial assessment dependent upon the needs of the patient. Question 6 -Does the DHSC use any third party contractors to repair wheelchairs? If so which?
The relevant section of the Wheelchair policy is:
“8.
Service and Repair
8.1
The service and repair of each chair is carried out by the DOI, Health at
Noble’s Hospital. This service is accessed via the Wheelchair Service telephone
Page 3 of 5 FOIA/DHSC/12
number and by the user giving the correct asset number to the administrator. Dependent upon the category of user, the service and repair is prioritised in accordance with the Healthcare Standards for Wheelchairs 2015 (Appendix 6)”
Question 7 - A list of the contractual obligations the supplier/contractor has to fulfil, including a copy of the repairs schedule, and the designated timescale for repair to be completed
Within the enclosed policy please refer to “Appendix 6 – Response Times (to patient)”
Question 8 - A copy of the complaints policy identifying how a service user can formally complain about a failure in service in relation to the repair of a wheelchair
The following link provided below explains the Departments complaints procedure.
https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/health-and-social-care/complaints- and-compliments/
All compliments/complaints are directed to the address below:
Department of Health and Social Care Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA
Telephone: +44 1624 685987 Email: Send Email
Question 9 - The contact details of the appropriate person a wheelchair user can contact in relation to the above
Wheelchair Service, CCHC, Douglas Tel: 01624 642147
Question 10 - A copy of the monitoring arrangements in relation to no.7 which are in place to ensure the contractor/ supplier identified in no.6 above is performing All repairs/replacements are monitored in accordance with the enclosed Wheelchair Policy.
Your right to request a review If you are unhappy with this response to your Freedom of Information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically FOI.DHSC@gov.im or by delivery/post at FOI Team, Department of Health and Social Care, Chief Executive’s Office, Crookall House, Demesne Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3QA. An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to
Page 4 of 5 FOIA/DHSC/12
our website. If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by
post, please contact the Freedom of Information Team and we will be happy to arrange for
this.
Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should
be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 01. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or
- Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your rights to review is on the Information Commissioner’s website at: https://www.inforights.im/ Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours Sincerely
Freedom of Information Team Department of Health and Social Care
Page 5 of 5 FOIA/DHSC/12 Community Health Services, Isle of Man Version 2.2 June 2016 Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Guidelines Department of Health and Social Care
Policy Number
Primary Care Directorate Community Health Services
Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating
Reader Information
Policy Number
PC49
Title
Eligibility Criteria and Provision of Wheelchairs, and Specialist
Seating
Author/Contact
Details
Michelle Breed
Therapy Service Manager
Crookall House
Publication Date
June 2016
Target Audience
Colleagues and Users
Description
This document describes the situations in which the Isle of Man Wheelchair Service assesses for, provides, services and repairs long term loan wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are provided in instances where the limitation of mobility / walking seriously limits, or increases the risk, of a patient’s ability to safely participate in everyday activities and where providing a wheelchair will enable them to do so.
Changes
Cross Reference
Superseded Documents 1 Originator: Michelle Breed Date of Issue: June 2016
Date for Review: June 2020 Ratified: Policies & Procedures Committee July 2016
- 1 -
Community Health Services Isle of Man Version 2.2 June 2016 Eligibility Criteria for the provision of wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Guidelines
Department of Health and Social Care
Policy Number 1. Introduction 1.1 This document describes the situations in which the Isle of Man Wheelchair Service (the “Service”) assesses for, provides, services and repairs long term loan wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are provided in instances where the limitation of mobility / walking seriously limits, or increases the risk, of a patient’s ability to safely participate in everyday activities and where providing a wheelchair will enable them to do so.
1.2 The Isle of Man Department of Health has to make choices around the spending of public funds; it makes decisions and prioritises spend, in order to meet the objectives set within the Health Strategy: 1.2.1 to develop a vision of health and well-being with the people of the Isle of Man based on genuine patient and public involvement that also recognises and celebrates the diversity of the population of the Island; 1.2.2 to help patients take care of themselves; or where patient is dependent on a carer/parent it facilitates their care and the ability for the user and their family to participate fully in all aspects of life 1.2.3 to improve the overall health of the people of the Isle of Man; 1.2.4 to work in partnership to reduce health inequalities; 1.2.5 to demonstrate that as a service we provide value for money; 1.2.6 to work with staff to develop new ways of working to promote health services being provided within local communities; 1.2.7 to extend choice and range; 1.2.8 to ensure services are safe, effective and in accordance with best practice.
- Working in Partnership
2.1
The assessment and provision of a wheelchair requires a partnership between the Service,
the patient and often the family and carers.
2.2
The Service commitment to the patient is:
2.2.1
to provide a service that is person centred and responds to the patients needs in
terms of responsiveness, good customer care and the provision of equipment that is
fit for purpose;
2.2.2
to provide a service that helps people take care of themselves, helps them to be as
independent as possible and tries to overcome the environmental impact of being
disabled, i.e. we work on the basis that we should be doing everything possible to
reduce the impact of the environment on the disabled patient’s ability to be
independent;
2.2.3
to employ staff who will work with the patient and their carers to help them to
navigate through the system and to facilitate any negotiations between other service
providers, statutory organisations and any charitable options;
2.2.4
to work with the patient as a partner in delivering equipment options;
2.2.5
to consider the whole patient’s/carer’s needs in the assessment process.
2.3 In return the Service requests that: 2.3.1 the patient/carer be as open as possible about how their disability impacts upon their life, hopes and aspirations; 2.3.2 understanding and acknowledgement from the patient on any limitations that may sometimes occur because of the design of the equipment provided; 2.3.4 that the patient looks after the equipment which has been loaned under the loan agreement; Originator: Michelle Breed Date of Issue: June 2016
Date for Review: June 2020 Ratified:
- 2 -
Community Health Services Isle of Man Version 2.2 June 2016 Eligibility Criteria for the provision of wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Guidelines
Department of Health and Social Care
Policy Number 2.3.5 the patient be prepared to provide feedback to the Service regarding their experience in order that we can continually improve the Service.
2.4 This policy has been written by a working group involving clinicians, managers and commissioners of the Service, along with some clinical representation from other services who refer clients for wheelchairs and Service users. It is intended that this criteria should have a major review no later than 5 years, to reflect the changing nature of the equipment. This would not preclude an earlier review if this was felt necessary due to changes in national sta
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