Wheelchairs and community equipment
Swindon wheelchair and specialist seating service
Our team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation engineers work with children, young people and adults who have a long term need for help with their mobility and seating.
We provide:
- assessment and on-going clinical support
- manual and powered wheelchairs
- specialist seating for complex need
- pressure care cushioning
- specialist wheelchair modification
How to request an assessment
If you feel that your child has a need for a wheelchair or specialist seating, a referral can be made by a healthcare professional, for example, a GP, therapist, nurse or social worker.
Registered users of the service can re-refer themselves at any time to the service by phone or letter.
Tel: 0303 333 1460 and select option 2
Referral process
Referrals are assessed by therapists to ensure they meet the criteria for an NHS wheelchair provision, set by Swindon clinical commissioning group.
If your child's referral is accepted and their clinical needs are straightforward, a wheelchair or buggy may be supplied directly to you.
If your child needs a more detailed assessment, you will be offered an appointment at the wheelchair service clinic.
We can also offer assessments at home or school if appropriate.
Clinical assessments
Clinical assessments will identify:
- agreed goals for your child and family
- limitations to your child's mobility, posture, and independence - and how best to overcome them
- prescription for your child's equipment, with an opportunity to view and trial stock equipment
Supply of equipment
The most suitable wheelchair/buggy will be issued to you, based on your child's clinical needs. This could take up to six weeks if it needs to be ordered or sooner if in stock.
Home, school and travel environments may need to be adapted, to enable your child to use their new equipment. We can refer to other agencies to support you with this.
If your child requires complex seating or specialist wheelchair adaptation we will refer to medical engineering services.
Our maintenance engineer's offer an annual safety check of your wheelchair and a repair service should it be needed.
What happens if my child does not qualify for a wheelchair?
You will be informed of the reasons why the referral was not accepted. The team will then signpost you to any agencies that may be able to assist you. For example, Red Cross, for short term loan or charities for help with private purchase.
Community aids and equipment
Our Community Equipment Service delivers and installs a wide range of equipment and complete minor adaptations requisitioned by therapists and nurses. This service aims to aid hospital discharge, prevent hospital admission, support end of life choice, assist care professionals in their work, aid rehabilitation and recovery and enable children to attend schools.
The specialist aids and equipment include:
- perching stools
- grab rails
- full hospital beds
- dynamic mattresses
- raised toilet seats
- mobile hoists
- assistive technology aids
Some children may require the use of assistive technology/educational aids, for example, eye gaze software to operate a computer.
The child or young person’s need for this equipment is assessed by the Advisory Teacher for Assistive Technology and purchased either directly through the supplier or via the Integrated Community Equipment Store. It is funded by the local authority using money it holds that is designated for schools.
Recycling
Between 70-80% of items are recycled through a decontamination system. When a child has finished using a particular piece of equipment, it can be returned, cleaned, serviced and re-used.
How to contact us
Swindon wheelchair and special seating service
Unit 12 - Birch
Kembrey Park
Swindon
SN2 8UU
Tel: 0303 333 1460 and select option 2
Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
British Red Cross
Mobility aids service
Unit 6 Ergo Business Park
Greenbridge Road
Swindon
SN3 3JW
Tel: 01793 401670 or 0300 456 1914
Website: Red Cross
Opening hours are from Monday to Wednesday, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Swindon Community Equipment Stores
Unit 1a
Gipsy Lane
Swindon
SN2 8DT
Tel: 01793 464 777
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