Written question asked by Lord Harper (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 July 2008. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 July 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Children: Wheelchairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in improving the provision of wheelchair services for children and young people since the publication of Aiming High for Disabled Children in May 2007.

Answer: The Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services Programme (TCEWS) was set up on 2006 to design a radial new model for delivery of both community equipment and wheelchairs in England. The remit of the programme was to place service users and carers at the heart of any new service model and build on the strengths of the third and private sector. The overall aim was to develop a new high quality system for delivering equipment which would give those supported by the state the sort of choice and control they have not previously enjoyed. Responsibility for assessment if need remains with local health and social care commissioners.The programme has developed a business case for a new model of delivery of wheelchair services which is currently being considered.

Secondary information