How can I get a wheelchair from the NHS?

If you believe that you meet the eligibility criteria set by NHS Dorset, you can complete a referral form and request assessment for a wheelchair.  Alternatively, if you are currently known to another health professional they may also refer you.

Do you do short term loans?

With the exception of those with end-of-life diagnoses, we only provide wheelchairs for people with long term needs as stated in our eligibility criteria. The Red Cross, other charities and local mobility shops can supply wheelchairs, usually at a weekly charge.

Have you got anything lighter than the wheelchair I was issued with that I can lift into the boot of my car?

The primary requirement of a wheelchair is to meet the mobility need.  Wheelchairs can be dismantled to facilitate the lifting of smaller and lighter parts, and there are also simple ways of sliding wheelchairs into a boot using blankets or walking crutches (videos are available on You Tube, but all manoeuvres are undertaken at own risk).  The Personal Wheelchair Budget can also be utilised for obtaining lighter weight wheelchairs.

Do you provide power packs?

We do not provide power packs, if you wish to fund a suitable powerpack you need to contact the service to obtain our agreement, as we need to consider if it is compatible and safe to be fitted to your loaned wheelchair prior to this being undertaken. Please contact the service to discuss this further.

Power packs can be very heavy to attach and should be removed for transport, so may not always be suitable. It is very important that if you decide to purchase one that you trial it at a reputable shop prior to buying one.

Can you adjust my private wheelchair?

We do not adjust or repair privately purchased wheelchairs or those purchased through the personal wheelchair budget scheme.

Can I take my wheelchair on holiday?

Yes, if it is covered by your holiday or home insurance. If your holiday company requests the weight of your wheelchair it may be on the manufacturers label on the frame. It is also in the user manual you were issued with or you can contact us for an approximate weight.

We have produced information on travelling with your wheelchair.

What do I do if my wheelchair breaks down on holiday?

Repairs will only be undertaken in the UK for wheelchairs and equipment provided by approved NHS Wheelchair Services.

Please contact the local wheelchair service if you are on holiday in the UK and they will liaise with us about the repair.  If you are abroad see travelling with your wheelchair and please contact our service on your return to arrange its repair.

If you are visiting Dorset and your NHS wheelchair (that has been loaned by another NHS approved wheelchair service) breaks down, please contact us to discuss the fault if essential.

Please be aware that sometimes we will not have the parts required for the repair or the wheelchair maybe not be economically viable to repair.

If my wheelchairs breaks down away from my home will you collect me or repair my wheelchair whilst I am out?

The repair service does not provide roadside repairs or recovery home.

You will need to you to make arrangements to get yourself and your wheelchair home (possibly in a wheelchair accessible taxi) and then contact us to arrange a repair.

Can you provide me with a pressure relieving cushion for my private wheelchair or armchair?

We only provide cushions for use in wheelchairs from the NHS.

If you have pressure or skin concerns in your privately purchased wheelchair, please contact us to discuss the options.

Useful information when travelling with your wheelchair

Ensure your wheelchair is in good working order before you travel and contact your airline and/or transport provider to clarify any specific information or requirements during travel.  Have a backup plan at your destination in case your wheelchair is damaged, stolen or cannot be used whilst away, for example wheelchair hire outlets, repair services or consider taking a second wheelchair.

Consider taking a foldable wheelchair as they are easier to transport.  Remove detachable, fragile parts and the seat cushion from your wheelchair and take them as carry-on luggage if you are flying.  Use labels for each piece of equipment to ensure that nothing is lost or misplaced. It is important to remember that air and gel cushions will be affected by changes in air pressure so must travel with you in the cabin. Batteries DO NOT need to be removed from the wheelchair, the batteries just need to be disconnected if flying (for information on how to do this. please refer to your user manual).  All batteries supplied by Dorset Wheelchair Service are gel cells and can be transported safely as they do not need to stay upright.

On a plane, you can usually travel with up to two items of mobility equipment free of charge if you’re disabled. This should not count as part of your baggage allowance, however, please check this with your airline before travelling.  Please ensure that you have an appropriate power source for charging your power chair, including an appropriate plug adaptor.  Take out travel insurance (please contact us for the approximate value of the wheelchair), ensuring this covers damage or loss to your NHS wheelchair.  Please note that we will not re-imburse repairs carried out in another country.

It is your responsibility to check the equipment for damage before leaving the airport/ travel terminal/ ship.  If any part of the wheelchair is damaged during transit, please obtain a letter from the travel provider confirming their liability together with a claim form before exiting the terminal and inform us immediately on your return.

We will require a copy of these documents and will inspect your wheelchair to confirm the damage.  This will enable us to provide costings for any claims if required, without these documents you may be liable for the costs.