Our reaction to Lord Hunt's comments about disability equipment

Reacting to Lord Hunt’s comments about the provision of disability equipment as the ‘silent crisis’ of social care, Joseph Brunwin, Head of Policy and Practice at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: 

‘Lord Hunt has highlighted the devastating and lasting impact of not getting the right equipment. This has been a challenge for disabled people for a long time, made significantly worse by the recent collapse of NRS Healthcare, one of the major equipment providers to the NHS and local authorities. 

‘Access to the right equipment isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for people to be safe in hospital and at home. Not having the right equipment can put people at serious risk of harm. 

‘We’re particularly concerned that difficulties in accessing equipment might lead to inequalities – some people may be able to afford to buy equipment privately, but those who could miss out. 

‘According to our recent survey about the collapse of NRS Healthcare, our members are especially concerned about an increased risk to the safety of the people accessing their services; difficulty supporting people to live safely at home; rising pressure to find alternative equipment providers and delays to discharging people from hospital. They’ve also previously told us that being unable to provide equipment or adaptations impacts their ability to meet people’s needs. 

‘The government urgently needs to provide immediate and ongoing funding to local authorities and NHS partners so that everyone who needs equipment can access it and the wellbeing of those who rely on it is safeguarded.’