People supported at Shaftesbury New Court Place in Hertfordshire had their transport concerns raised in Parliament following a visit from Sir Oliver Dowden, MP.
Wheelchairs have been a long-running problem for people supported by Shaftesbury at this residential service. It can take years to be issued with a new wheelchair by NHS service provider, AJM Healthcare, and if one gets damaged, new parts take too long to be delivered.
“Even something simple like a new foot plate takes months to arrive. In the meantime, we can’t use the wheelchair. In some cases, this has dragged on for several years,” says staff member, Victoria Smith.
Getting out in the local area is also problematic for some residents. Victoria describes the pavements surrounding Shaftesbury New Court Place in Borehamwood as uneven and “too bouncy” for wheelchair users.
Victoria contacted the local MP, Sir Oliver Dowden, to express these accessibility concerns. As a result, he made a visit to Shaftesbury New Court Place, sitting down with the people supported there to fully understand their frustrations. He subsequently raised the issue in Parliament on 22 July. In response, Health Secretary Wes Streeting gave assurances his department would look into the matter to ensure the “dignity, independence, freedom and quality of life” for people with disabilities.
AJM Healthcare was proactive in its response. Just a week later, a representative visited Shaftesbury New Court Place to arrange a clinic for anyone with a wheelchair issue.
“Residents at New Court Place feel let down, overlooked and traumatised. I was grateful to meet them and raise their concerns with the Health Secretary in Parliament and with AJM Healthcare. Following this, I am glad AJM arranged a clinic to help residents and I am arranging another visit to hold them to account,” Sir Oliver told Shaftesbury.
Sir Oliver has also taken up issues relating to hospital transport and inaccessible pavements with the relevant authorities.
“They should make it a priority for us to be happy with our wheelchairs. I was very pleased Sir Oliver came to listen to all of us. When he responded to us it sounded like he would do something. I would be happy to meet him again anywhere,” says Walid who lives at Shaftesbury New Court place.