Hello, my name is Laura Wickham and I am now working alongside Tamsin Flint on the wheelchair service for Kent and Medway. I have kindly been invited to share a little information about myself.

I have had a varied career, including roles in pubs, libraries and a brief spell as a tattoo studio receptionist. Around 2009, I began working for KCC and Citizens Advice Bureau, advising consumers on their rights. In 2014, I moved into the NHS as a receptionist in the radiology department at Maidstone Hospital.

Since then, I have worked in a range of NHS roles. Most recently, in 2022, I became the health commissioner for the Kent Community Equipment Service, working closely with organisations and Trusts across the county to help provide equipment to people in their own homes.

I really enjoy my work with the community equipment service, particularly the relationships I have built with clinical colleagues across the system. I hope to draw on these connections and experience in my work with the wheelchair service.

Commissioner Update

We continue to work closely with Ross Care and service users to ensure the Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service remains responsive, accessible and focused on delivering the best possible experience.

Over the past year, improvements have been made to referral and triage processes, waiting list management and the use of virtual assessments, helping the service make more effective use of resources while maintaining a focus on timely access to assessments and equipment. The service continues to support more than 25,000 wheelchair users across Kent and Medway and provides a wide range of equipment to help people maintain independence and mobility.

We remain committed to ensuring the voices of wheelchair users and families shape future developments. Feedback from service users, engagement forums and outcome measures continues to inform service improvements, alongside work with partners across health, social care and education.

I would like to thank Ross Care and paediatric health and social care colleagues who contributed to and attended the recent Kent CQC SEND inspection session.

Finally, Kent and Medway ICB have been working to develop a new set of commissioning intentions for 2027-2028. These are available to see here https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/news/bold-new-vision-for-health-and-care-in-kent-and-medway-5187 and includes a survey on your views, which we would encourage you to take part in https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/commissioning-intentions