Many thanks for all your comments.
We have also found that trying to withdraw an EPIOC is difficult, and as
they tend to just use any replacement EPIC in the same way,  it often feels
like it not worth the hassle.


Stephen GB Kirker MD FRCPI
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Box 120, Disablement Services Centre & Lewin Stroke & Rehab Unit
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
01223 217870      fax 01223 242038
www.EasternRehabGroup.org.uk


-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Williams (external) [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 17 August 2005 12:59
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: wheelchair suppliers liability if EPIOC user causes
accident[Scanned]


Tony mentioned maintenance/alterations to the wheelchair in his response, I
think there is a lack of guidance in driving standards. In our service we
carry out a outdoor driving assessment upon handover of the powerchair(the
user will have had provision of powered indoor wheelchair for at least 6
months). This is carried out by 2 people, usually an RE plus a Therapist. We
make a judgement about the users safety and base that on a number of factors
such as their environment/the environment in which they say they will use
it, their cognition and road safety awareness etc. Training and further
assessments are arranged as necessary, and if they are allowed to keep power
chair on issue they are reviewed once a year to check that the necessary
standards are maintained. Trying to withdraw a chair if the standards are
not met is very stressful for the user and the carer as well as us. We have
tried to involve our local Road Safety Officer in cases were we feel the
standards are not met but they were reluctant to back us up when trying to
withdraw provision. I believe that this subject has been raised in the House
of Commons some time ago, and the proposal of compulsory insurance was
discussed, not sure if this has been concluded. We certainly feel vulnerable
making these judgements and a nationally agreed set of minimum driving
standards would be useful.
 
Gary Williams
Rehab. Eng.
Wirral wheelchair centre
St. Catherines hospital
Derby Rd.
Birkenhead
Merseyside
CH42 0LQ

Tel 0151 604 7261
or 07733 225606
e-mail [log in to unmask]


________________________________

From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals. on behalf of
Kirker, Stephen
Sent: Mon 15/08/2005 10:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: wheelchair suppliers liability if EPIOC user causes
accident[Scanned]


Has anyone come across the situation where a wheelchair service has been
criticised /legally held responsible, if a wheelchair user causes an
accident and injury to someone else?  
How cautious do we need to be when supplying EPIOCs? 
 

Stephen GB Kirker MD FRCPI

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Box 120, Disablement Services Centre & Lewin Stroke & Rehab Unit

Addenbrooke's Hospital

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge CB2 2QQ

01223 217870      fax 01223 242038

www.EasternRehabGroup.org.uk <http://www.easternrehabgroup.org.uk/> 

 
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