News

Provision of equipment for disabled and older people by social services and hospitals remains "in a parlous state," the Audit Commission has reported, writes David Brown.

Long delays for equipment of dubious quality is reported by users, while many others who could benefit are excluded by stringent eligibility criteria. Waiting times for some equipment is up to six years.

Very little of the £220 million promised by ministers after a previous critical report as found its way into the service, with just 13 per cent of equipment services receiving additional funding last year.

Service commissioning was described as "exceptionally weak" with service providers and commissioners having no idea about the underlying level of demand.

Two years after the Audit Commission first criticised the service, it has found that commissioning is still not integrated with wider healthcare and social objectives.

Some progress has been made in services for the deaf. There is also better access to digital hearing aids, although the provision remains patchy.

Sir Andrew Foster, controller of the Audit Commission, said: "I am very disappointed that the service, overall, has not improved since we looked at it two years ago.

"This raises questions about whether we need to develop more radical approaches to the way these services are provided which may, among with the options involve the use of public private partnerships and an extension of direct payment schemes."

Health minister Jacqui Smith said it was only part way through a three-year programme to improve the services.

"At this stage progress is patchy," she said. "In areas where progress has been slower than we would wish, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and orthotics, we are taking action."