In March 2000, the Audit Commission published Fully Equipped, a report on the provision of some forms of equipment to older or disabled people by the NHS or social services in England and Wales. It examined five services from the user's perspective: orthotics; prosthetics; wheelchairs and specialist seating; community equipment; and audiology.
Since then, many NHS trusts and social services authorities have received local reports from their external auditors, or best value reviews about the performance of equipment services. This report summarises the findings of these local audits as well as reflecting on developments and other research since the publication of the original report. It goes on to identify continuing problem areas and sets out a programme of further work to help to improve services.