The Scottish Executive has announced plans for a £1.9 million fund to improve wheelchair services. The funding has been announced by Deputy Health Minister in Scotland, Rhona Brankin. It will be distributed among Scotland's five wheelchair centres.

Ms Brankin said: "The provision of wheelchairs in Scotland is a serious issue and one we have been seeking to address for some time. Current waiting times to get appropriate equipment are not acceptable. I expect this investment to make a real difference towards improving the situation. We announced in December that NHS Quality Improvement Scotland would be undertaking an independent review of services in the long term. A Steering Group has been appointed to oversee the review project. Service users, voluntary organisations and internationally respected experts will all be involved."