TWO PENSIONERS were allegedly forced to wait between eight and 11 months for a wheelchair from the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.

Gordon Lewin, 86, of Gravesham, was assessed for a wheelchair after coming out of hospital but told the wait would be 48 weeks. The chair was eventually delivered 43 weeks after his admission to hospital.

Mr Lewin was not alone as an 80-year-old former Burma war hero also faced a 33 week wait for his wheelchair. The healthy man, also from Gravesham, broke his leg and required a wheelchair for outside use.

Gail Price, Mr Lewin's daughter, said: “The wheelchairs are not made to measure they are standard outdoor wheelchairs and should be available when needed. People who need these items normally would need them waiting for them after the length of stay in hospital. Why is there such a long wait?”

The West Kent Primary Care Trust was unavailable for comment.

Have you had to wait months for mobility equipment? Write to us at Gravesend Messenger, 7 High Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 0BQ email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or respond using the Speakout link below.