Getting a Wheelchair in the UK: Guide to NHS Wheelchair Services for Disabled Adults. Part 1

For disabled adults in the UK, there are a few ways to get a wheelchair. The first option is usually your local NHS Wheelchair Service. 

More about this guide

This guide is in two parts. Part 1 covers wheelchair service assessments and funding. It also covers finding the right wheelchair. Part 2 provides extra details including country-specific information about wheelchair services. It also explains more about aftercare and insurance. 

The NHS Wheelchair Service: what it can provide for disabled people

The service provides wheelchairs for disabled people who qualify for support. It can provide manual wheelchairs or powerchairs. (Powerchairs are also known as powered wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs). 

Wheelchairs or equipment will be on loan (if they are funded by the wheelchair service.) So if people no longer need it, they must return it to the wheelchair service.

Your NHS Wheelchair Service can provide maintenance, repairs and servicing. It also offers specialist seating support. It can provide extra equipment like wheelchair trays.

The information is mainly for adults. What is available for disabled children?

Disabled children in the UK can also get wheelchairs from the local NHS wheelchair service. The charity Whizz-Kidz offers help, advice and wheelchair options specifically for children.

Finding your local NHS Wheelchair Service

First, search online for “NHS wheelchair services” and your location in the UK (for example, “Dorset”).

Alternatively, you can find an NHS wheelchair service by contacting your local health authority. To do this, read our section in part 2 for NHS wheelchair services in the UK: country-specific information. 

In some areas, a local health authority has a contract allowing a private company to run the wheelchair service.  The same NHS regulations apply to everyone using the service. Disabled people should still be assessed and funded in the same way.

Referral to your local NHS Wheelchair Service

You’ll probably need a referral from a healthcare professional. It could be your GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or hospital staff.

In some areas, you can refer yourself to the Wheelchair Service. You can do this just by contacting them (without a referral from healthcare professionals). Check with your local Wheelchair Service to confirm if this is an option for you.

There is an NHS target to minimise the wait times for a wheelchair. The aim is to provide the wheelchair no more than 18 weeks after referral. It might take longer than the target.

NHS Wheelchair Service eligibility criteria: who can get a wheelchair?

After the referral, your local Wheelchair Service will get in touch with you. There may be wait times.

The local Wheelchair Service will decide if you qualify for an NHS wheelchair.

Some wheelchair services might have different ways of deciding who qualifies. (More information should be on the website for your local Wheelchair Service)

Generally, people who qualify will have a long-term mobility condition and need to use a wheelchair regularly. People will also be registered with a local GP (in the area covered by the Wheelchair Service).

Disabled people who are eligible will have an assessment. The assessment is usually led by a healthcare professional. This might be an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist.

More about Wheelchair Service Assessments

The assessment will focus on your specific needs. These will include: your mobility, home environment, lifestyle, abilities, and relevant medical history.

You can have other people at your assessment. You might want a family member or carer to be there, if they are involved in your support.

It's a good idea to prepare for your assessment by writing down a few things in advance. For example: your daily routine, activities you want to do, and any equipment you've tried. You should also include any concerns you have about your mobility or sitting posture. Of course, you know your own body better than anyone.

Finding the right type of wheelchair

If you have an assessment from an NHS Wheelchair Service, they will work with you to find the most suitable wheelchair. They can also help with seating assessments (for both NHS wheelchairs and for some private wheelchairs). If you need a wheelchair, it is always a good idea to get advice from the Wheelchair Service.

Consider whether you want a manual wheelchair or a powerchair. (Powerchairs are also known as powered wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs). 

Some people might have difficulty controlling a powerchair. However, they might find that a powerchair can still be right for them. There are ways of allowing your carer (or support worker / PA) to control a powerchair. You can do this with an extra ‘attendant control’ / carer control on the back of the wheelchair.

You might want to try different types of wheelchair before making a decision.

Are there limits on what wheelchair you can choose?

The Wheelchair Service might offer you an NHS wheelchair. It must meet your assessed needs. This is important – for your safety and wellbeing, and for you to get funding.

You will have choice over your wheelchair. However, you cannot get funding for something that doesn’t meet your assessed needs.

Seating Assessments

A seating assessment is crucial for many people who need a wheelchair. It’s particularly important for people in any of these situations:

  • people who spend a long time in their wheelchairs
  • people who need pressure relief
  • people who have difficulty staying in the same sitting position (complex postural needs)
  • people whose needs can change over time

The wheelchair service will take measurements (for you, the wheelchair and the seating). This is to make sure everything is the right fit.

The assessment could look at:

  • Your posture, including the shape of your pelvis and spine
  • Sitting, balance, mobility and muscle strength
  • Skin integrity and pressure sensitivity
  • Transfer methods in and out of the wheelchair
  • The areas where you will use the wheelchair, and the layout of your home. They may ask about doorways, ramps. They could also ask if you need to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

NHS Wheelchair Service: How your wheelchair is paid for

Disabled people can receive funding for wheelchairs based on their assessed needs.

Your income, benefits or your salary have no effect on the funding you can receive.

I am happy with the model of wheelchair the NHS is proposing

If you decide on a wheelchair model and you don’t want any extras, it’s fairly straightforward. You’ll have a standard wheelchair budget (or notional budget). The money will come only from the NHS wheelchair service.

I’d like a more expensive model of wheelchair. What can I do?

Alternatively, you might be offered a Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB).

The NHS has a budget for a wheelchair they are willing to fund for you. They can give you this as a  PWB.

It gives you more choice and control. You can use the PWB to pay towards a wheelchair of your choice. This can be outside the standard NHS range. You will still receive advice on appropriate wheelchairs. All wheelchairs must meet your assessed needs.

If needed, you can top up the PWB with your own funds or with charity grants.

Getting a Wheelchair in the UK: Guide to NHS Wheelchair Services for Disabled Adults. Part 2

In part 2 we will explore more information about getting a wheelchair. This covers aftercare, insurance and country-specific information (for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). It also covers other sources of support beyond the wheelchair service.

In part 1 of the guide, we found out the essential details of the NHS Wheelchair Service. (We looked at who qualifies for support, wheelchair service assessments, seating assessments and funding.)

Setting Up Your Wheelchair

If you receive a wheelchair from an NHS Wheelchair service, they will set it up to meet your needs. They can give you information and training. They can show you how to use it and answer questions.

Aftercare: Repair and Maintenance

If you receive a wheelchair from the Wheelchair Service, it's simple. The service can provide free repair and maintenance . This applies if you have a standard wheelchair budget or a personal wheelchair budget.

If you buy a wheelchair privately (without a budget from the Wheelchair Service), it's different. You then become responsible for repair and maintenance. 

Aftercare: Reviews of your wheelchair and your seating

The Wheelchair Service can provide ongoing support and reviews as needed. You will need to contact them requesting appointments.

Wheelchair Insurance

Wheelchair insurance is important, whether you have an NHS wheelchair or not. Consider purchasing wheelchair insurance to cover things like: accidental damage, theft, and incidents where someone else was in the wrong (third-party liability).

If you have questions, speak to the wheelchair service.

NHS Wheelchair Services across the UK: country-specific information

In part 1, we looked at a simple way to find your local service. You can search for “NHS wheelchair service" + "your location.” Here is specific info for each country in the UK.

Information for England

In England, the local health authority is known as an Integrated Care Board (ICB). It has responsibility for NHS wheelchair services in that area. Find your local health authority or ICB.

Information for Wales

NHS Wheelchair services in Wales has a main hub in Cardiff. Three centres in Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham work together to form an all-Wales service.

Information for Northern Ireland

NHS Wheelchair Services in Northern Ireland has a main hub in Belfast – the Regional Wheelchair Service. After getting in touch here, people are then referred to a local centre. For more information, see NIDirect: Wheelchair Service

Information for Scotland

Wheelchair services across Scotland are based at five main centres.

  • WestMARC (The West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre) is based in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. It serves patients from six health boards. These are: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Dumfries & Galloway and part of NHS Forth Valley and NHS Highland.
  • The SMART Centre (South east Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology Centre). This is based in the Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh. It serves patients from NHS Lothian, NHS Fife and NHS Borders.
  • In Tayside, there is the TORT Centre (Tayside Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Technology Centre). It serves patients in NHS Tayside as well as part of NHS Forth Valley
  • MARS (Mobility and Rehabilitation Service) is based in Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen. It serves patients from NHS Grampian, NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland.
  • The Highland Wheelchair and Seating Service (HWSS). This is based at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. It serves patients in NHS Highland and NHS Western Isles.

Do the premises of NHS Wheelchair Services provide any other services?

Occasionally, your local NHS Wheelchair Service might be part of something bigger. This could be a hospital, or a broader centre for disabled people. That centre might provide some mobility aids and prosthetics, or it might provide assistive technology.

See, for example, Ace centre: Find a local NHS Assistive Tech Service + Ace centre: UK map. You can also contact your local health authority.

Other options for getting a wheelchair

Buying a Wheelchair Privately

You can purchase a wheelchair privately, for example from local mobility shops. BUT first, it is always advisable to contact the NHS wheelchair service  or the local health authority . You should get advice before buying a wheelchair privately.

Other Support Schemes

The Access to Work scheme provides grants for equipment needed for employment. 

The Motability Scheme helps with hiring or buying scooters and powerchairs. (Powerchairs are also known as powered wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs). The scheme allows some people to use their benefits for payment. If you want to lease a Motability vehicle or car, you cannot lease a Motability scooter or powerchair as well. You can have only one Motability lease agreement at a time.

Charities related to your condition might also offer grants.

You can sometimes borrow an NHS wheelchair for a short while (for example, after an operation). Some Red Cross branches offer wheelchair rentals on a weekly basis.

Some shopping centres have a Shopmobility scheme. While you're shopping, you can borrow a wheelchair at low cost or for free.