Nothing makes me happier than helping people start their mobility journeys, whether that is shopping for a wheelchair or encouraging someone to reach out to NHS Wheelchair Services. I have lost count of how many people have told me that I helped them find the right chair or gave them the confidence to use mobility aids more openly. If you have been here a while, you will know I was not always so open about my own journey either.
I first looked into getting a wheelchair after a severe back spasm left me unable to walk. That first spasm was also the reason I finally applied for PIP. I waited for painful moments to push me into action, and honestly, I would not want anyone else to go through the same.
Using a wheelchair has changed my life. Things I thought were off the table forever are now part of my life again. Since getting my wheelchair, I have been shopping more times than I can count, visited zoos, Christmas markets, and so many other places I had once thought were out of reach.
Talking to Your GP About Wheelchair Services
The first step towards getting a wheelchair through NHS Wheelchair Services is talking to your GP. After my back spasm, I hired a wheelchair for an event because I knew I would not manage without one. Crutches were not an option for me due to arm weakness and pain. While hiring or borrowing a wheelchair from charities is an option, it can be harder to find suitable chairs if you are plus size.
Even though I spent a lot of time pushing the chair myself that day, when I finally let my friend push me, my pain levels dropped dramatically, and I actually enjoyed myself. Afterwards, I spoke to my GP about how much hiring a chair helped. She already knew about my chronic pain and all my previous referrals, so she did not question my need. She simply printed me off a form for NHS Wheelchair Services.
If you know a wheelchair will improve your life, be direct with your GP. Try saying something like:
“I would like to be referred to NHS Wheelchair Services. I am not getting out as much as I would like due to pain, and I believe a wheelchair would really help.”
“I have tried other mobility aids but feel that a wheelchair would be my best option. Can you refer me to Wheelchair Services?”
If your GP refuses, ask to speak to another doctor. Sometimes they want to refer you to physio or other services first, especially if you have not explored those options yet.
NHS Wheelchair Services
It took a few months for me to get my appointment through and I really did not know what to expect. After lots of runs-in with fatphobic medical professionals, I stayed very quiet, just answered his questions and didn’t ask many or even any questions at all. Ideally, this would be a great time to talk about options.
At the appointment, they confirmed it was a shame I wanted a transit wheelchair (where someone pushes you) rather than a powerchair, as it would give me more independence. At the time, I had a lot of problems with my arms, so I felt it was not the right choice, although I do regret it now. In fairness, the NHS generally does not offer the foldable electric wheelchair style that I have ended up with.
During your appointment, you will discuss your needs: whether you require leg rests, headrests, specific pads, controller sides (if you are being assessed for a powerchair), and so on. They will also retake measurements to ensure the wheelchair fits properly and prevents pressure sores or additional pain.
I recommend doing a little research beforehand. Think about where your condition affects you most and ask whether anything can be adapted. For example, higher brakes if you struggle with arm movement. The more questions you ask, the more tailored your wheelchair will be.
My NHS Wheelchair: What I Received
NHS Wheelchair Services provided me with the Invacare Action 4 NG Transit Wheelchair. As they did not have one in stock on the day, they ordered a new one for me, which took around 4 to 6 weeks. I even got to choose if I wanted a purple frame or not. The staff member assessing me was not scary at all, and looking back, I wish I had spoken up more and explored more options during the appointment.
What Happened at My 5-Year Review
When my five-year reassessment came around, I contacted Wheelchair Services because my chair had become too relaxed at the back and did not feel sturdy anymore. The first replacement chair they sent out was too big for me, partly due to a measuring error during the second appointment.
Luckily, the delivery driver explained that I could reject it, which I had no idea was even an option. After a few back-and-forth calls with the service team, they offered me a Personal Wheelchair Voucher. This would have allowed me to go to their approved suppliers and pick a chair myself.
However, after speaking to other disabled friends, I decided not to accept the voucher. If you accept a voucher, you are stuck with that chair for five years, with no NHS support for repairs or changes if your health needs change. So instead, I asked for another reassessment.
At my third appointment, they immediately agreed my current chair size was fine. We discussed a few options for improvements, and within ten minutes of getting home, they rang me to say they had ordered a new chair based on my updated needs.
Due to my size at the time, I wasn’t able to find a suitable chair via wheelchair services so I ended up rejecting this chair as well, and then buying my own online. I bought another Invacare 4 NG Transit because it had been really comfortable and I still have it and use it now, but I’m mostly in my KWK D09 XL.
Can You Still Buy Your Own Wheelchair?
Even if you end up getting a chair through NHS Wheelchair Services like I did, you can still buy your own foldable electric wheelchair if you want to. You should keep your NHS transit chair too, just in case your health fluctuates and you need pushing instead of self-propelling. Some days you might be fine with a stick, and others you might need a wheelchair, and that is perfectly normal.
I do not know every detail about how the NHS Wheelchair Service works, but this is my experience so far. If you want a more detailed overview, Scope has a fantastic NHS Wheelchair Services guide here.