Woman waits 13 months for wheelchair decision

State Opposition health spokeswoman Jillian Skinner says the 27-year-old has been confined to a bed with spina bifida and brain injuries.

Ms Skinner says the woman has developed bed sores as a result.

She says the woman's family applied for a manual wheelchair in May last year and was told it would not be considered until this June.

Ms Skinner says the family is angry it is taking so long for a decision to be made.

"I believe it is a budget-driven delay - they are trying to eke it out so that they can avoid spending the money," she said.

"This is not the only appliance this young woman needs but for goodness' sake, a manual wheelchair holding up the life of this young woman, forcing her to lie in bed and get bed sores - it just doesn't make sense."

Ms Skinner is calling on the Government to make an immediate decision on whether it will provide a wheelchair for the woman.

"This is bureaucracy gone mad," she said.

"It is all about trying to save money but the outcome is this young woman's forced to stay in hospital over 10 months, all for the sake of a wheelchair that was asked for in May 2007 and still won't be considered until June this year."

Source: By Australian Broadcasting Corporation