Patient Aids - FOI Response Register

FoI Number
2024-406
Subject
Patient Aids
Date Received
17/10/2024
Request and Response
  1. Do you provide riser recliner chairs to individuals who have been assessed as needing one? - Local Authority OTs issue
  2. Do you provide Careflex chairs to individuals who have been assessed as needing one?  Local Authority OTs issue
  3. Where someone has been assessed and provided with a riser recliner or Careflex chair do you repair and maintain these for the duration of the ‘loan’ of this equipment?

Aim to repair and recycle as appropriate

  1. How many riser recliners were provided to individuals during:
  • April 2022-23
  • April 2023-24
  • April 2024-present 

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

  • How many Careflex chairs were provided to individuals during: April 2022-23
  • April 2023-24
  • April 2024-present 

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

  1. Do you provide giraffe cups (plastic and thermal) to those who are assessed as needing one?

No

  1. Do you provide Heads first:

 Not routinely – any provision would be assessed on need.

  • collars
  • chest pads
  • rear support
  1. Do you provide neater eaters or eating/drinking aids of any kind to those who are assessed as needing one?

 Yes we would try and source eating and drinking aids as needed. 

  1. Do you routinely provide Augmentative & Alternative Communications equipment to people who have been assessed as needing it?

 Yes

  1. Can you advise how many people received AAC during:

Have answered for equipment (and apps) as that is what the previous question asks

April 2022-23   8

April 2023-24   4

April 2024-present   2

  1. Can you advise if you assist people in using the ‘Speak unique’ service to undertake voice banking in anticipation of them losing their ability to speak due to a medical diagnosis, for example, Motor Neuron Disease? 

It is an option for voice banking that we are aware of and have discussed with some patients but haven’t used it as yet.

  1. Can you advise how much was allocated and spent on the ‘Speak Unique’ service during: 
  • April 2022-23
  • April 2023-24
  • April 2024-present

Nil for all years  

  1. Do you provide specialised mattresses for example a pressure-reliving mattress?

 Yes

  1. Can you provide details of the guidance and/or criteria which is used to assess an individual’s suitability for a specialised mattress?

See attached documents

  1. Can you advise what NHS professionals are involved in the referral and assessment process for this? For example, an Occupational Therapist or District Nurse?

District Nurses

  1. Can you advise how many specialised mattresses were provided to individuals during:
  • April 2022-23 –
  • April 2023-24 –
  • April 2024-present –

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

At present – moving towards using ELMS for issuing which will collate data – anticipated in place October 2025