If you have difficulty in walking you could qualify for a wheelchair, you should discuss this with your Doctor, District Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. An Occupational Therapist will assess your needs at your local N.H.S. Wheelchair Service Clinic.
The Wheelchair Service provides appropriate mobility equipment for people of all ages with a long term disability ( i.e. likely to be in excess of 6 months ) who have difficulty in walking.
They will help you choose a wheelchair that meets your needs, including extras like cushions, arm rests or trays. There is a provision for short term loan wheelchairs (i.e. less than 6 months).
Normally N.H.S. Wheelchairs are provided free on loan for as long as they are needed - this includes servicing and repairs. The N.H.S. Wheelchair Service operates the Wheelchair Voucher Scheme. The scheme is aimed to give disabled people more choice of wheelchair within the N.H.S. Anyone referred to the Wheelchair Service will have 3 options available to them.
Option 1
To receive the wheelchair prescribed at present.
Option 2
Independent Option
To contribute to the cost of a more expensive wheelchair of their own choice ( within the parameters of the assessment ). They will own the wheelchair and be responsible for its maintenance and repair.
Option 3
Partnership Option
To contribute to the cost of a more expensive wheelchair of their choice from a range selected by the Wheelchair Service. The N.H.S. will own the wheelchair and be responsible for its maintenance and repair.
Short Term Loan
If you have short term mobility problems, i.e. less than 6 months, you may be able to loan a manual wheelchair from the NHS Wheelchair Service.
You cannot contact them direct. Your doctor needs to make a referral.
Hiring Wheelchairs
Sometimes you may want to hire a wheelchair for short term use, DIAL Doncaster have compiled a list of Organisations and Companies who hire wheelchairs.
(Wheelchair Hire Factsheet)
Powered Wheelchairs
For provision of a powered wheelchair, the need must be permanent.
The person must be unable to walk and unable to self propel a manual wheelchair and would gain a measure of Independence in the home.
The N.H.S. does not provide powered scooters or a user controlled powered wheelchair for outdoor use only.
Wheelchair Repairs
If you require repairs to your N.H.S. wheelchair
Tel: 01302 796 269
Fax: 01302 796 829
For further information on the voucher scheme, people should contact:
Wheelchair Services
Tel: 01302 344 477
Fax: 01302 322 787
The Disabled Person will not be liable for V.A.T.
Note - There are different rules for Nursing Homes and Residential Homes - see criteria
DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.
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