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. A Posture and Mobility Therapist will assess your needs at your local NHS Wheelchair and Special Seating Services Clinic.

The Wheelchair and Special Seating 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 NHS Wheelchair and Special Seating Service operates the Wheelchair Voucher Scheme. The scheme is aimed to give disabled people more choice of wheelchair within the NHS. Anyone referred to the Wheelchair and Special Seating 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). You 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 and Special Seating Service. The Wheelchair and Special Seating Service 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 and Special Seating 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 NHS does not provide electric scooters, powered wheelchairs for outdoor use or Specialist Sports Wheelchairs.

Special Seating
If you have difficulty sitting in a standard wheelchair you may be assessed by the Special Seating Clinic.

Wheelchair Repairs
If you require repairs to your N.H.S. wheelchair
Tel: 01302 566 700

For further information on the voucher scheme, people should contact:
Wheelchair and Special Seating Services
Tel: 01302 566 701
Fax: 01302 798 366

The Disabled Person will not be liable for V.A.T.

Note - There are different rules for Nursing Homes and Residential Homes - see criteria

Please click here for Information Guidelines for the provision of wheelchairs in Nursing and Residential Care Homes.

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.