Mum upset by 'heartless' decision as daughter can no longer have wheelchair

A mother has criticised the "heartless" decision to no longer allow her autistic daughter to have a wheelchair.

Alex Doyle's seven-year-old daughter Remi used a wheelchair for the last five years but she was told by bosses from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust that she is no longer eligible for one.

The 37-year-old, from Knowsley, said her daughter needs the chair as she has "no sense of danger" and would run into the road without it. It also acts as a "safe haven" for her in crowds, she said.

Mersey Care said while it recognised "how important the right mobility equipment is to a child's health", it was continually reviewing individual cases.

Doyle said: "Other families have also been contacted by the NHS to say the criteria has changed. This affects hundreds of families.

"Remi is no longer eligible for one as she doesn't need it indoors.

"It's a crazy and heartless decision. It is just penny pinching.

"Remi has needed one since she was two and nothing has changed in her condition.

"Her current wheelchair is too small but now she won't get another.

"If I didn't keep hold of her she would run into a car as she has no sense of danger.

"It's a nightmare. We now have to use a safety cord with her."

The mother-of-two added: "Remi also needs a wheelchair to keep her safe in crowds or noisy environments as children with autism can get sensory overload."

A trust spokesperson said: "We recognise how important the right mobility equipment is to a child's health, independence and family life, and we understand the concerns raised.

"We continually review our service provision and clinical practice with our children's wheelchair and specialist buggy criteria, aligning with the national NHS wheelchair guidance.

"We are listening to the concerns raised and will work with families to review individual cases to understand all the options available."

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