NHS wheelchair service users are not protected by law

Cazbarr

My name is Caroline; I am a full-time wheelchair user with a disability called Arthrogryposis.   I receive my electric wheelchair from the NHS wheelchair service and have done for many years. 

14 months ago, the batteries on my electric wheelchair leaked, this caused £4000 damage to 90% of my home flooring. 

While making a compensation claim, I was shocked that no legal help was available to me as this situation was/is not covered by the consumer or any other law.  Why?  Because I never “purchased” my electric wheelchair, it is on loan from the NHS wheelchair service.   

This meant I spent 13 months fighting for compensation on my own.  How many people would feel capable of doing this by themselves, or have the courage or patience to do the same?  This, I feel is one of the main reasons disabled people get such terrible service from the NHS wheelchair service and such like, because they know not many will fight back! 

The law seemingly does nothing to protect consumers when receiving “loan” equipment from services like the NHS wheelchair service.  I want to change this. 

I have started a petition in the hope to have the present consumer law changed/amended/updated to help better protect other disabled people that may find themselves in a similar situation.

I would really appreciate it if you could sign my petition and share as much as possible.

Petition link:  https://bit.ly/34XmyL3

Thank you to each and every one of you that sign or share. 

Topkitten

I can't say I am surprised and it doesn't just cover wheelchairs as equipment and care provided by Social Services is also "on loan" for most. In my case I purchased a recliner chair and when it failed they have made it very difficult for me to sort out properly, denying some responsibility, immediately referring me to an Ombudsman when I complained and so on. Having the words disabled or mobility in their names or descriptions means they are dealing with vulnerable people and  they should be made, by law, to provide a caring service and taking responsibility for problems they cause.

TK

Ross_Alumni

Welcome to the community @Cazbarr and thanks for sharing.

Cazbarr

Thank you

Cazbarr

It is appalling that so many people can be affected and nothing has been done.  I think this is going to run more deeply than I first imagined.

Cazbarr

If anyone has had similar problems, please do get in touch with me.  It would be helpful to know of other service providers who also make it difficult for people to complain when things go wrong and no legal help available.

Chloe_Scope

Hi @Cazbarr, how are you doing?