FOREWORD
I am delighted to support this plan. It sets out the actions that must be implemented in the NHS in Scotland to take the wheelchair and seating services forward through a programme of change and service modernisation. Responding to the independent review 'Moving Forward' (2006), this action plan outlines the key activity needed in the NHS and other agencies to meet recommendations made and to develop the NHS wheelchair and seating services for the future. This must continue to be done in partnership with wheelchair users and their carers.
The Scottish Government and the NHS in Scotland are committed to ensuring that people are not only partners in their care, but also partners in service development and change. Taking into account the experience people have of the care and the service they receive will inform the programmes of improvement that the wheelchair and seating services are undertaking. NHS rehabilitation and assistive technology services provide a valuable resource of expertise needed to support people in their care. Responding positively to the changing needs of the people they serve will ensure that the quality of this service is continuously improving.
The £16m central investment identified for this 3-year modernisation project has been prioritised within the plan to key areas agreed by the Project Board that will make an early and lasting improvement for people who use the NHS wheelchair and seating services. I have tasked the Project Board with ensuring this action plan delivers these improvements and I will take an active interest in the progress made.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those people, wheelchair users and their carers, voluntary agencies and our health and social care staff who have given of their time to assist the Scottish Government in developing this action plan and to thank in advance, those who will continue to be active in its implementation.
Shona Robison, MSP Minister for Public Health