Notices

Below are any notices that we have been asked to display - requests for information, general questions, and so forth. If you would like to place a notice here, please contact us via the contact link at the top of this page.

Each notice should if necessary have an email address or other contact detail which you can use to get in touch with the person on whose behalf we have placed the notice.

 

MAVIS to close 

 

The Department for Transport’s Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) will close at the end of March 2007.

The MAVIS Assessment Centre ceased conducting driving assessments from 7th March 2007.

In future, assessments will be made by the Forum of Mobility Centres:

National Enquiry Line:  0800 559 3636

Website:  http://www.mobility-centres.org.uk

 

Appeal for Information on Integrated Postural Management.

I am an Occupational Therapist working at Southend Wheelchair Service. We are currently trying to develop an integrated paediatric 24 hour postural management team; the team will include OT’s and PT’s from the wheelchair service, education and social care. The need has been highlighted to ensure all services work towards the same postural management aims for the child/family, to ensure the families are provided with a 24hour postural programme with the relevant education, to reduce the amount of equipment the child and family have (e.g. Wheelchair, static school chair, static home chair) and to simplify the process for the families by having a joint assessment for all postural equipment and one main OT/PT (key worker system).

We have embarked on the initial discussions and have support from the Managers of the integrated services. Funding for equipment has yet to be explored and I feel this will probably be the “fly in the ointment” however I would be really interested to hear from anyone who has attempted integrated working and the positive and negative aspects they encountered, also any advice would be greatly received.

Thanks for your assistance and support

Nikki Sargeant
Southend Wheelchair Service
Tel: (01702) 442145
Email: nicola.sargeant@southend-pct.nhs.uk

 

Getting The Most From Your Battery

The BHTA have published a leaflet entitled "Getting The Most From Your Battery" to help users of powered wheelchairs and scooters. Further information available here.

 

BacTop - New Product Announcement for Lower Back Pain Sufferers

 

Dear Sirs

We have just launched a new back support product for lower back pain sufferers called BacTop. Our website, www.painintheback.info fully explains the concept that BacTop fully supports the upper torso and encourages correct posture. We are suggesting that the disabled might also find this product beneficial for back pain and as a comfort device. BacTop is a Class 1 Medical Device and we would welcome feedback from your visitors.

Thanks.

Steve Cullen steve@painintheback.info

 

Request For Information On Wheelchair Trays/Tables

Sirs,

I am in the process of developing a special tray-table for wheelchair users. Although it was originally intended for the elderly, it applies to anyone in a wheelchair who has difficulty eating at a restaurant or home table. The purpose of this product is to bring the diner's plate closer to them, thereby greatly reducing food spillage. It is especially applicable to those whose hands tremble, and those who are on the portly side. It rests both on the dining table and on the wheelchair arms. I was hoping for your feedback on the following questions:

Do you know of any similar product on the market?

Does this sound like a useful product for wheelchair users?

Do you have any suggestions as to features you would like it to have?

Do you know of any groups who might be willing to test the product when it is ready?

Do you know of any groups who invest in the development and production of such products?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Pierre V. Lafleche

Information About Pembrokeshire National Coast Trail and Wheelchair Accessibility

 

Hi - I am the National Trail Officer for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.

I have a free booklet giving the locations and brief descriptions of about 50 sections of the Coast Path that have been improved for wheelchair users and others with mobility problems. Some surfaced, some just with introduced obstructions removed. How can I reach wheelchair users to tell them? Not yet posted on National Park web site.

I will post a copy to anyone who is interested.

Regards David Maclachlan.

 

July 2008 - BHTA CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR LIFE ENHANCING PRODUCTS

BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) is looking for innovative products deserving of recognition that help disabled, elderly and vulnerable people live a more independent life for this year’s Independent Living Design Awards.

Recognised as the most important UK award for assistive technologies products, this is the 13th year the awards have taken place and this time BHTA is taking a slightly different approach to past years. It is now asking customers and retailers to nominate products it thinks are making a difference and deserve to win, as well as asking manufacturers to enter their own products.

Broadcaster Angela Rippon will announce the top three prize winners at BHTA’s annual awards dinner in London on 4 December. Last year’s winner was the 2 in 1 Bed Rail from Nottingham Rehab Supplies which includes a unique ‘swan’s head’ handle design providing a secure, ergonomic and comfortable grip.

Says Nottingham Rehab Supplies’ brand director Sandra King: “We were delighted to receive BHTA acknowledgment for our ongoing new product development programme by winning the award.  It reflects how we have continued to bring design and innovation to the marketplace by working closely with our customers, healthcare professionals and their clients. And as a result of the award we have seen increased customer selections coupled with higher awareness.”

The Airgo Navigator from Pride Mobility Products, the first four wheel walker which converts into a chair if the walker gets tired, was awarded second place and third place was given to The Compact advanced pocket video magnifier from Optelec Ltd for visually impaired people.

The independent judging panel, headed by Sue Norris, former head of the Centre for Evidence-based Purchasing (part of NHS PASA) is drawn from a variety of backgrounds. Judges will be looking at entries meeting the following criteria: innovation, aesthetics, usability, practicality, contribution to lifestyle, enhancement of quality of life- a new criteria - and finally clarity of user instructions and literature.

A shortlist will be compiled from all the entries and companies which have made this stage will be asked to present to the panel of judges who will choose 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners. The winner will receive an exclusively designed trophy.

Entry forms are available from the BHTA on 020 7702 2141; email: bhta@bhta.com; website: www.bhta.com. The closing date for entries is the 12 September 2008.  All the entry fees will be donated to the BHTA’s chosen charity, ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ which makes dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses.

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Press Contact: for further information Caroline Deller, Rachael Hunter or Jessica Alexander at

AKA PR, tel: 01756 795374 email: info@akapr.co.uk

BHTA, New Loom House, Suite 4.06, 101 Back Church Lane, London, E1 1LU

Tel: 020 7702 2141  Fax: 020 7680 4048