Woman With Cerebral Palsy Waits 8 Months For New Wheelchair After Severe Fall

Carol Rowland from Johnstownbridge, who relies on her wheelchair for mobility, said her independence has been severely compromised since the accident.

A woman with cerebral palsy, who sustained two facial fractures after her wheelchair toppled over earlier this year, says she has been waiting for a new wheelchair since February.

Carol Rowland from Johnstownbridge, who relies on her wheelchair for mobility, said her independence has been severely compromised since the accident.

She said she now fears going anywhere alone, as her current wheelchair has become "unreliable".

"It’s terrifying," Carol said. "The wheelchair isn’t charging properly, and since the accident, it speeds up and slows down by itself. I can't go outside unless someone holds the back of it."

The incident occurred while Carol was out with a group.

Her wheelchair tipped over a kerb, causing her to fall and suffer two facial fractures.

An ambulance was called to the scene, and Carol was treated for her injuries.

The wheelchair, which Carol said has caused her considerable stress due to its malfunctioning, is understood to have been examined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and deemed fit for use.

Carol maintains, however, that the chair has not been operating properly since the accident and is unsafe for her daily needs.

She said despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the HSE, there has been no resolution.

Kfm understands that the HSE is currently reviewing Carol's case.

A spokesperson for the HSE said they can not comment on individual cases.

They said where an issue is reported in relation to a device such as a wheelchair in the community, the Occupational Therapy service will review the device and where appropriate request assessment of the device by the approved service company/technical expert.

"The technical review will recommend whether a repair should be carried out or determine that the device is beyond repair or is unsafe to use, and that a replacement device should be sought," the spokesperson said.

They added: "This technical recommendation will then be subject to approval by the clinician and progressed accordingly. The timeline for replacements can depend on the bespoke nature of some devices, manufacturer lead times and stock availability, which can range from 6 - 8 weeks."

Carol said her wheelchair was examined and deemed safe, something she disputes.

Here's what she had to say: