Why did Alba wait a year for a new wheelchair?

Alba waited a year for a new wheelchair due to a change in the contracted supplier, which led to a backlog of cases and delays in equipment provision.

How has the new wheelchair impacted Alba's life?

The new wheelchair has significantly improved Alba's happiness and engagement, particularly for school, as she no longer experiences pain or anxiety associated with her old, outgrown chair.

What is being done to resolve the wheelchair supply issues in Derbyshire?

NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working to reduce the backlog, prioritizing high-need cases, and Blatchford Mobility has received approval for additional resources to expand its capacity.

Home / Health / Wheelchair Wait Ends: Girl's Joy Restored

Wheelchair Wait Ends: Girl's Joy Restored

18 Mar

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Summary

Six-year-old Alba received her new wheelchair after a year-long wait.
Her parents noted a significant improvement in her happiness and engagement.
The delay was caused by a change in wheelchair suppliers and a backlog.

Wheelchair Wait Ends: Girl's Joy Restored

A six-year-old girl named Alba, who has a rare genetic condition that affects her mobility and speech, has finally received a new wheelchair after a year-long delay. Alba's parents, Dan and Melissa, from Clay Cross in Derbyshire, reported a significant positive change in their daughter's demeanor, noting increased happiness and engagement, particularly when heading to school.

Her previous wheelchair, used since she was three, was outgrown, and the process of obtaining a new one was fraught with difficulties. A change in the contract for supplying wheelchairs, from AJM Healthcare to Blatchford Mobility, created a backlog. This transition meant that many individuals, including Alba and Laura Harby, who has osteoporosis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, faced extended waiting periods for essential mobility equipment. Laura has been waiting since June 2024 for an updated chair.