143 people assessed as needing a wheelchair by the NHS North Central London had to wait longer than the national target of 18 weeks to receive one reports Adam Care, Data Reporter

The wheels of a wheelchair being operated by hand alongside the legs of a pedestrian — Across England, 7,284 patients did not receive their required wheelchair within the target period – (Credit – Radar)

More people with disabilities in north central London had to wait over four months to receive a wheelchair from the NHS in the three months to June, new figures show.

The head of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which represents more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions, said people in dire need of additional support are being denied “life-changing equipment”, and called on the Government to act urgently.

New figures from NHS England show 143 people assessed as needing a wheelchair by the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board in the three months to June had to wait longer than the national target of 18 weeks to receive one.

This was more than the 29 who waited over the target in the same period a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the number who did receive a wheelchair within the target period fell, from 1,052 last year to 920.

Across England, 7,284 patients did not receive their required wheelchair within the target period, a 21% increase on the 6,022 last year.

And the number who did receive one fell from 30,754 to 28,324.

The annual spend at the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board on wheelchair provision was £3.5 million, a 4% decrease on the year before.

Nationally, £137 million was spent on providing wheelchairs, 10% more than the year before.

Of the people who did have to wait over 18 weeks in north central London, 16 were assessed to have the most severe ‘specialist need’, and 26 were children.

Muscular Dystrophy UK manages the Joseph Patrick Trust, which provides grants towards the costs of powered mobility equipment, which can cost up to £30,000 each.

Its chief executive Andy Fletcher said: “It’s disappointing that people who desperately need wheelchairs are having to wait even longer to access life-changing equipment.

“As a charity, we know the needs of people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions are not being met.

“This is evident from the figures and our helpline has seen an increase in calls from those struggling to access appropriate equipment.

“The NHS must take urgent action to ensure everyone can access the right equipment when they need it.”

NHS England was approached for comment.

For more information about the Joseph Patrick Trust call the charity’s free helpline on 0800 652 6352 or visit musculardystrophyuk.org.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.