‘I’m being driven crazy by wait for a wheelchair’

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Mrs Gillson is currently waiting for an operation on her neck and her ability to move around her home is deteriorating month by month.

She has told Opcare that her condition is worsening but has still received no update on what it plans to do.

She said: “The spinal surgeon at Leeds General is now of the opinion that if I fall or have an accident I could be paralysed.

“I have told Opcare that my current personal chair is no longer safe.

“I cannot go and buy a chair because it needs to be adapted and I cannot use my Motability to hire one because it needs adapting.

“My hands are tied – I have to wait. I understand that there is a procedure and waiting lists, all due to lack of funding, however this is not my concern.”

Both Opcare and GHCCG said they could not comment on individual cases.

Paul Robinson, a director at Opcare, said: “Since commencing the contract, the rate of delivery of equipment by Opcare has been higher than was the case historically. However, referral numbers have increased and we are working with the CCG to address this.” Penny Woodhead, Greater Huddersfield CCG’s head of quality, said: “The CCG is aware of the challenges faced by the service provider due to the increase in referrals to the service, and the complexities of some of those individual cases.

“We are working closely with Opcare to look at the waiting times for equipment and find ways to minimise delays.

“If anyone waiting for equipment has any concerns we would ask them to contact the CCG in the first instance via email to ContactUs@greaterhuddersfieldccg.nhs.uk or by calling 01484 464222.”