First thought is that in theory the wheelchair manufacturer should agree
that the fitment of the docking plate is an acceptable modification to the
wheelchair.
Who is going to be actually fitting the docking plate to the wheelchair.
Again, theoretically, the manufacturers instructions should be sufficient
for a suitably experienced person to install it safely.
For that matter, who is going to be fitting the system into the vehicle? I
would imagine the installer would take on the liability, but in fact I don't
have direct experience of this.
Best regards,
Geoff
G.J.Harbach I.Eng MIED IIPEM
Clinical Technologist
"Access to Communication & Technology"
West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak
Birmingham, B29 6JA
Tel 0121 627 1627 Ext 53268
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lewis, Tony
Sent: 02 October 2007 16:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Liability fo Fitment of Vehicle Docking Systems to NHS wheelchairs.
Has anyone had experience of fitting a Docking plate to a Powered
Wheelchair.The Docking platefits under the wheelchair and will automatically
couple with the anchor system in the vehicle.The wheelchair user is then
able to drive the vehicle from the wheelchair independantly.Motability have
requested this and take on the adaption , assessment process and fitting as
a rule.But i have one case where a private purchase has been made and the
question of Liability has been raised as the Client is anticipating that the
NHS agrees to the adaptions and accepts the liabilty for the
modifications.Any thoughts ??.Regards Tony Lewis .SRE. West Dorset
Wheelchair Service.
