Referrals & Assessments

Referrals

If you are a new wheelchair service user, you can request a referral from an appropriately qualified health or social care professionals, such as your GP. Alternatively, you may self-refer yourself by completing a short form below. Please contact us if you require any assistance.

If you are already a wheelchair service user, you can refer yourself for a re-assessment at any time. You do not need to complete a form.

All referrals must meet the eligibility criteria, which are decided by our NHS commissioners. If you are not eligible for an NHS wheelchair, we'll explain why and help you to access alternative options.

The wheelchairs and accessories we provide are NHS property and are loaned to you for free. There are some conditions you must follow, such as keeping the equipment in good condition. You must return equipment when you no longer need it, and you cannot give it away.

 Please click here to download our referral form for community healthcare professionals
 Please click here to download our short referral form for GPs or self-referrals
 Please click here to download our eligibility criteria, including terms and conditions of loan

Waiting times

The NHS target is for everyone to receive their wheelchair within 18 weeks. We do everything we can to reduce waiting times. Most people receive their wheelchairs much sooner than this.

Waiting times may be longer if there is a very high demand for the service or if you require specialist equipment. We'll always tell you how long you can expect to wait.

When and where will my assessment be?

We'll discuss the most appropriate time and location for appointments with you. We may invite you to choose an appointment online in some services. If you need an appointment at a specific time, please let us know as soon as possible.

Our service centres have clinical and engineering facilities that help us meet your needs quickly and effectively.

We offer some services through outreach clinics at other locations, such as GP surgeries and schools. We'll discuss whether these are appropriate for your needs.

We only offer home visits if your therapist determines they are clinically necessary. We cannot offer home visits for social or transport reasons.

Travelling to your assessment

Our service centres have accessible parking bays near the entrance if you're attending in a vehicle. There are public transport stops close by.

We'll write to you with the time and location of your assessment, including the address and directions. Please ask if you need more information on how to reach us.

If you do not have access to a vehicle or public transport, the local NHS patient transport service may be able to help. Please ask us for details. We can also refer you to private taxi companies and volunteer taxi schemes that may be able to assist.

What should I bring to my assessment?

• You might find it helpful to invite people who know you well, such as family members, friends, or carers. They might be able to share useful information or take notes. You can bring more than one person.
• It is important to remember you do not have to bring anyone if you would like to discuss your needs in private. We'll always treat anything you tell us confidentially.
• Photographs and measurements of any physical restrictions that might make it harder for you to use a wheelchair at home, work, or school. An example of this would be narrow doorways or halls.
• Details of any care or support plans you already have, such as an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. We work with other
• Any wheelchairs or mobility aids you currently use, where possible.
• Any medications, food or supplies you might need.
• If you are attending with a child, please bring their favourite toys or books.

What will happen in clinic?

We aim for all appointments to start and finish on time, but please try to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment begins. We'll offer you light refreshments like water, tea, or coffee while you wait.

Your assessment will be with one of our wheelchair therapists (a qualified medical professional). Your assessment will be in a private clinic room. Your therapist might ask you to lie on a plinth (a padded couch). We have hoists and slings to assist with transfers.

The therapist will ask many questions about your clinical needs and life at home, work or school. Your answers will help the therapist understand what you want to achieve and prescribe the correct equipment for your needs. Your therapist will record everything in a personalised care and support plan.

Your therapist may need to conduct a physical assessment or ask you to do some simple exercises. This will help your therapist to understand what you can and cannot do. You can do this in your normal clothes, but we can offer you a private space if you would like to change into more comfortable clothing first.

Your therapist may need to touch you during the physical assessment. For example, they may need to measure you or check your range of motion (how part of your body moves). Your therapist will explain what they need to do and ask for your consent first. You may stop the assessment at any time.

What if I cannot attend an appointment?

If you cannot attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible (and ideally at least 24 hours before). We may be able to offer your appointment to someone else.

If you are having difficulty attending your appointment, please tell us why. We'll do everything we can to help you.

Languages

We offer interpreters for your preferred language. We recommend using our professional interpreters because they have special training in translating medical information. You can bring an adult family member or friend as an interpreter. 

Chaperones

You can invite another adult to act as a chaperone during any appointment. You can also ask us to provide a second staff member as a chaperone.

If you would like to be seen by staff members of the same sex, we'll do our best to accommodate this. We'll tell you in advance if this is not possible for operational reasons. You do not have to tell us the reason for your request.