Hard Pushed - downloads

All of the chapters from "Hard Pushed - how the NHS fails powered wheelchair users" can be downloaded from this page. In addition, a complete, text only Word version can be downloaded.

The introduction

"Independent mobility is not the privilege of the able bodied or those with the necessary financial means. It is a fundamental right".
Hard Pushed Chapter 1: introduction (117 kb)

Chapter 2: People who feature in the report

"The new powered chair is a great success. It's much more comfortable... and the batteries last for 20 miles".
Hard Pushed Chapter 2: People in the report (203 kb)

Chapter 3: Powered wheelchairs, eligibility criteria and needs

"The standard NHS chair just isn't suitable for children with progressive conditions".
Hard Pushed Chapter 3.pdf (165 kb)

Chapter 4: Background evidence

"I had to wait seven months to get an assessment and then a further eight months just to get a voucher towards the cost of the chair".
Hard Pushed Chapter 4: Background evidence (180 kb)

Chapter 5: The state we're in

"We were told by wheelchair services that they were short of money so there would be a long wait for an assessment and delivery of a powered chair".
Hard Pushed chapter 5.pdf (281 kb)

Chapter 6: Measuring up - NHS or charity?

"I got the feeling the NHS expected charities to step in and deal with the wheelchair needs of children".
Hard Pushed chapter 6.pdf (77 kb)

Chapter 7: Conclusion and recommendations

"Front line staff seem to care, but the bosses who set these policies don't. It's probably to do with lack of cash"
Hard Pushed Chapter 7: Conclusion (113 kb)

Appendices

1. Users' experiences. Hard Pushed Appendix 1: Users' experiences (1191 kb)
2. Muscle wasting conditions. Hard Pushed Appendix 2: Muscle wasting conditions (75 kb)
3. The Joseph Patrick Trust. Hard Pushed Appendix 3: Joseph Patrick Trust (57 kb)
4. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Hard Pushed Appendix 4: About us (68 kb)
5. References. Hard Pushed: References (9 kb)