Sarah Celebrates Extra Wheelchair Cash

1.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Nov 2007

Local MP Sarah persuaded Brent health bosses to pledge extra money for wheelchairs

Following action by Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather and a local newspaper, Brent's Health Trust (tPCT) will provide an extra £100,000 for wheelchair services in the borough.

The Wheelchair Service has been historically under funded, receiving just £83,000 a year from the tPCT. Brent health bosses have now accepted Sarah's call for better funding, and will be more than doubling this year's budget to £183,000 so that wheelchairs will be available to all those in Brent who need one.

Sarah raised the matter with the tPCT after being approached by constituents who had been told there was no further funding available. Approximately 270 people in Brent are currently waiting for wheelchair equipment.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"It is great news that the tPCT has bowed to our call for extra cash. This will come as a huge relief to people in Brent who were told they would not receive the wheelchairs they so urgently need.

"I was pleased to be able to help my constituents, but it shouldn't take an MP and a local paper to get the tPCT to recognise their responsibilities. Wheelchairs are an absolutely vital piece of equipment for many vulnerable people in Brent.

"The Labour Government's sweeping cuts to Brent's NHS are putting a huge strain on local health services. The tPCT must guarantee that Brent's wheelchair users will receive the equipment they need not just this year, but every year."