Wheelchair Services

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Wheelchair Services

If you need the use of a wheelchair, there are several ways of getting a manual wheelchair. Availability of

power chairs is more limited although if you have a clearly defined clinical need, the NHS should supply

you with one to meet your needs. Obviously, if you have the money, you can go to a mobility shop and

buy a manual chair, a power chair or a scooter but it is worth looking at the options available before taking

this step. Apart from anything else, a wheelchair can be an expensive item and it is important to ensure

that what you are getting will meet your needs properly. Don't buy anything without getting expert advice

and if possible, using the equipment on a trial basis to see if it really works for you in the various situations

you want to use it.

For short term needs,Wheelchairs can be hired from the British Red Cross. A delivery service is also

available for individual assessment at Woking.

British Red Cross Medical Loan Delivery Service . Telephone: 01483 723 473

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to arrange for provision of equipment and

adaptations to the home to help people maintain their independence and safety.

According to the National Health Service Act 1997, anyone who has a permanent mobility problem and

needs the use of a wheelchair is entitled to a FREE, long term loan of a wheelchair from the NHS. Under

the NHS, wheelchairs (including powered wheelchairs where there is an established need) are supplied

and maintained free of charge to a disabled person whose need for such a chair is permanent.

To obtain a NHS Wheelchair you should first contact your Hospital Consultant, GP, Occupational

Therapist, Physiotherapist or other Health Professional who will make a referral to your local NHS

Wheelchair Service. Some wheelchair services may operate a self referral system.

In Surrey the Wheelchair Services are:

Guildford and Waverley PCT Wheelchair Services Mid Surrey Wheelchair Service
The Jarvis Centre Leatherhead Hospital

Stoughton Road, Guildford Poplar Road, Leatherhead

Surrey, GU1 1LJ Surrey, KT22 8SD

Tel: 01483 783131 Tel: 01372 384383

Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Horsham Wheelchair Unit, Horsham Hospital
Hurst Road, Horsham
West Sussex, RH12 2DR

Tel: 01403 227015

Each service has its own eligibility criteria and your details will be reviewed to work out its priority. This

will include the nature and level of your disability and/or medical condition, your lifestyle and needs, where

and when you will use the wheelchair and your ability to use any particular type of wheelchair.

Assessments are normally carried out at NHS Wheelchair Services centres or you may receive a Home

Visit in order for the assessor to see you in your home environment. The assessor will be a professional

qualified in wheelchair assessments . For example: an Occupational Therapist.

The NHS can supply you with a wheelchair that meets your needs. It will be supplied and maintained free

of charge. The chair that is supplied may not be the same thing as the wheelchair that you would like.

They usually have a set price limit, but if you are not happy with the one they offer, you can ask if you are

entitled to a Wheelchair Voucher. This is money equivalent to what the NHS would spend on the type of

chair they think would meet your needs, including maintenance charges over 5 years. The NHS may give

you a Wheelchair Voucher and you can then add some of your own money to it to buy a more expensive

chair. The chair becomes your property and you are responsible for its maintenance. Vouchers are

usually only issued every 5 years unless your needs change significantly within the 5 years.

If your need is for a power chair, the NHS regulations are very stringent and you should consult your

Wheelchair service about your needs and the regulations. You may well find yourself having to fund it

yourself unless yours is a clear clinical need that cannot be met another way. If you receive the higher

rate of DLA you may be able to obtain a power chair through the Motability Scheme.

As of the 1st July 2010 the Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme will be operated by Motability
Operations. Full details can be found on the website:
[ www.motability.co.uk ]

For a Disabled Living Foundation fact sheet on choosing a power chair, please select the following link:

[ Choosing a power chair ]

For more information on NHS wheelchair provision, please select the following link:

[ DirectGov website ]

N.B. Did you know that if you have a permanent need for a wheelchair which is kept at home,

you can apply for a reduction in your Council Tax? Ask at your Council Tax Office.