Are wheelchairs provided by NHS?
Getting an NHS wheelchair Ask a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You’ll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair. The local wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. You might be able to get a voucher.
What disabilities put you in a wheelchair?
Disabilities that Require Wheelchairs
- Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Amputations.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Diabetes.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular Dystrophy.
- Parkinson’s Disease.
What are wheelchair services?
NHS Wheelchair Services assess people with mobility needs, to decide what sort of wheelchair or other mobility equipment they should be provided with. Usually, it is your GP, hospital doctor or occupational therapist who makes the referral to wheelchair services.
What is an ambulatory wheelchair user?
The term refers to individuals who are disabled and use wheelchairs, but are capable of walking in some circumstances. There are many reasons why a person may be an ambulatory wheelchair user. My own reason is my debilitating fatigue, unsteady, injury-prone joints and syncope (or fainting).
Who qualifies for an NHS wheelchair?
General Practitioner (GP) within the area. They must have a long- term mobility problem (greater than 6 months) which impacts on their ability to walk. 1.2 The wheelchair service does not loan out equipment for temporary or short term use for less than 6 months, except in the case of palliative care.
How long does it take to get a wheelchair on the NHS?
Once the service receives the referral, they carry out an assessment by an expert, such as an occupational therapist. It usually takes between 2 and 6 weeks to get the assessment. A standard wheelchair could be available within a few weeks.
What are some mobility disabilities?
Many types of orthopedic or neuromuscular impairments can impact mobility. These include but are not limited to amputation, paralysis, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and spinal cord injury.
Who is eligible for NHS wheelchair?
What does a NHS wheelchair look like?
What are NHS wheelchairs like? Steel-framed. The NHS will include some limited extras with your chair, such as a cushion, tray, and armrests. For people with special needs postural support may be provided with bespoke cushions, back support, harnesses, or belts.
What is an ambulatory disability?
Ambulatory Difficulty Having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs (DPHY).
What percentage of wheelchair users can walk?
Health and functional limitation More than three-quarters of people who use wheelchairs are unable to walk a quarter mile, and over 60 percent are unable to climb stairs or stand for 20 minutes, and almost 60 percent are unable to “walk” (per the general question) by themselves without assistance.