Disabled people are "out of sight, out of mind" once they are discharged from hospital, according to a Benfleet pensioner.

Eric Naylor, who suffered a stroke two years ago, echoed an Audit Commission report that NHS disability equipment services were ''unacceptably low''.

The hard-hitting criticism found that millions of people throughout the country are being forced to endure long waits for vital equipment, which was often outdated, uncomfortable and unusable when delivered.

The commission warned that the poor quality services were stripping disabled people of their dignity and independence.

Mr Naylor, 75, of Alderleys, said: "At the Stroke Club I attend, the general consensus is that once you are discharged from hospital all therapies cease. I was told 'you are probably as good as you are going to get and we do not wish to raise your hopes too much'.

"How depressing can you get?"

Mr Naylor, who paid £3,000 for an electric wheelchair because he could not manoeuvre the NHS manual one around his home, added: "I have been making representations to all the top people to get better treatment and more help for my wife, who is my carer.

"But because we are both pensioners no-one really wants to know too much."

Patrick Geoghegan, chief executive of the new South Essex Mental Health and Community Care Trust, which came into force today, said: "I accept that equipment plays a very important part in some people's lives. We and social services have a duty of care to people.

"Investment in equipment is something I am very keen on. Some people can be trapped in their own homes if they don't have the right equipment.

"I support the Audit Commission in that we need to do a hell of a lot more work to make sure equipment is easily available.

"I want to make sure people know who to contact and how to get through the red tape, so if something is needed we will provide it if we can."

But he warned there was only limited funding available, and it was the trust's duty to spend it wisely.

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