Wheelchair funding cut fears lifted

FEARS that the modernisation of the Lothians' wheelchair fleet would be hit by a 50 per cent funding cut have been allayed.

There had been indications that the much-needed upgrade project may only receive 3 million this year - half of what had been agreed - and that this would have a negative effect on wheelchair users.

However, today the Scottish Government confirmed there had been a change of heart on the issue, and full funding would be released to the Astley Ainslie's Smart Centre.

It is understood NHS Lothian's failure to spend all of last year's allocation led Holyrood's National Wheelchair Services Review to believe not all the cash would be required. But the health board was keeping that in reserve to be used now, and the two have agreed.

David Griffiths, chief executive of city disabled charity ECAS, said: "Disabled people spend most of their lives in their wheelchair so it has to be exactly right for them.

"They are very personalised, and it is not only the acquisition of the chair that has to be right, but the maintenance of it thereafter."