Wheelchair Service – an introduction
The Wheelchair Service assesses and supplies standard and bespoke wheelchairs, special seating and pressure distribution cushions for adults and children with long-term mobility problems.
We provide:
- ongoing review and assessment of mobility needs for both powered and non-powered wheelchairs
- wheelchair and pressure distribution cushions and postural seating systems to use in wheelchairs (based on clinical need)
- pressure mapping assessments for identified wheelchair users and advice on pressure care
- a repair and maintenance service for people with our equipment
Wheelchair and buggy provision is determined following assessment, clinical need and in relation to the eligibility criteria for the provision of equipment.
We are unable to provide wheelchairs for short-term use; however we can offer advice to users regarding temporary loan.
We do not supply scooters, or supply powered wheelchairs solely for outdoor use.
You may be interested to know that we have a small range of wheelchair and buggy accessories available to buy at each location (items which are not funded by the NHS).
Personal wheelchair budget
This is a ‘virtual’ amount of money allocated to meet your assessed needs. It is designed to give you more choice over your wheelchair, one which meets your assessed needs and any specific requirements you identify as being important to you.
If you are eligible to receive a wheelchair from the NHS, you will have a personal wheelchair budget (PWB).
What is a personal wheelchair budget?
- It is for anyone who is eligible for an NHS wheelchair
- It is a ‘virtual’ amount of money allocated to meet your assessed needs
- It gives you more choice about your wheelchair
- It is based on how much it costs the NHS to provide you with a wheelchair to meet your clinical needs
How does it work?
You can choose to use your personal wheelchair budget in 3 different ways:
- Notional budget – Accept the NHS wheelchair prescribed for you, this is at no cost to you
- Notional budget with contribution – Pay a ‘top up’ price to receive an upgrade, or add extra features to the NHS wheelchair prescribed
- Third party budget – Access a wheelchair from an independent supplier outside of the NHS. The budget is paid to the supplier and you pay any additional costs
How do I get a personal wheelchair budget?
At your assessment, if you are eligible for a NHS wheelchair, we will develop a personal support plan with you and assist you in deciding how you want to use your personal wheelchair budget. This is a ‘virtual’ amount of money allocated to meet your assessed needs. It is designed to give you more choice over your wheelchair, one which meets your assessed needs and any specific requirements you identify as being important to you.
Trust Headquarters
St Catherine's Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH42 0LQ