Wheelchairs

• Getting a wheelchair
  The National Health Service (NHS) wheelchair service will help you choose a wheelchair that meets your needs, including extras like cushions, arm rests or trays. Your doctor or hospital consultant can refer you for an assessment, which can take place in hospital or in your own home. If the therapist agrees that you could benefit from a more expensive chair than the local service can offer, you may be able to get a voucher that will allow you to pay the difference. Wheelchairs can be purchased from private suppliers and dealers. For more information contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit or your local Disability Service.
• Loans
  If you need to hire a wheelchair for a short period of time contact the Community Equipment Service via your local Disability Service or the British Red Cross.
• Repairs
  Engineers from carry out repairs to NHS wheelchairs free of charge. They also repair privately purchased wheelchairs. Contact for more information.
• Vouchers
  The wheelchair voucher scheme gives you the choice to accept a standard NHS wheelchair or contribute towards the cost of a more expensive wheelchair. If you take this "independent option", you will be responsible for the maintenance of the wheelchair. For more information, contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit or your local Disability Service.
• Powered/Outdoor
  If you are severely disabled and could benefit from a powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair, your wheelchair assessment unit may be able to provide you with one. For more information contact your local Wheelchair Assessment Unit.
• Toilet Key Network
  There is a network of wheelchair accessible toilets throughout the UK, which can be accessed through the National Key Scheme, providing a standard key that enables disabled people to use them. A small charge is made for the key and can be obtained from your local Tourist Office or apply directly to RADAR - the disability network.