Wheelchair Service Current Waiting Times

Wheelchair Service current waiting times for assessment by category of need for non-urgent cases.

Definitions of levels of need as defined in the NHS England Guidance

Low

• Occasional users of wheelchair with relatively simple needs that can be readily met.
• Do not have postural or special seating needs.
• Physical condition is stable, or not expected to change significantly.
• Assessment does not typically require specialist staff.
• Limited (or no) requirement for continued follow up/review.

Medium Need

• Daily users of wheelchair, or use for significant periods most days.
• Have some postural or seating needs.
• Physical condition may be expected to change (e.g. weight gain / loss; some degenerative conditions).
• Comprehensive, holistic assessment by skilled assessor required.
• Regular follow up / review.

High Need

• Permanent users who are fully dependent on their wheelchair for all mobility needs.
  and
• Complex postural or seating requirements (e.g. for high levels of physical deformity).
  or
• Physical condition may be expected to change / degenerate over time.
  or
• Very active users, requiring ultra-lightweight equipment to maintain high level of independence.

In all cases

• Comprehensive, holistic assessment by skilled assessor required.
• Regular follow up / review with frequent adjustment required/expected.

Specialist Need

• Permanent users who are fully dependent on their wheelchair for all mobility needs.
  and
• Highly complex postural or seating requirements (e.g. for high levels of physical disability) and / or are at greatest risk to their health and well-being.
  and
• Physical condition may be expected to change / degenerate over time.
  or
• Have complex and / or fluctuating medical conditions and multiple disabilities, which may include physical, cognitive, sensory and learning aspects.
  or
• They are likely to require 24 hour postural management due to; poor trunk control, inability to sit without support, limited upper limb function, possible spinal curvature and joint contractures.
  or
• They are at high risk of secondary complications due to their levels of disability such as contractures, chest infections and respiratory diseases.
• The most common diagnoses for people who need specialist wheelchair services are: cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, motor neurone disease, high level spinal cord injuries.

In all cases

• Regular follow up / review with frequent adjustment required / expected.
• Comprehensive, holistic assessment by skilled assessor required.

How we can support you

We help support people who may have no sight or are partially sighted. We work with you to help with your daily living activities and make sure that you can live the life you want.

We can assist with long cane training and planning routes to your school or university, to your local GP or to your place of work. We are also here to support you with understanding your benefits and housing, and we can assist you with the use of smart technology such as Alexa and Siri on the iPhone.

Get in Touch

You can self-refer by telephone or online, or someone can refer you on your behalf via London Borough of Newham Access Team.

Telephone: 0208 430 2000 Option 2

Or online: Newham online form

We also accept referrals directly from your ophthalmologist, or you can contact us directly if you already have a copy of your recent certificate of visual impairment (CVI). We also manage the visual impairment register and when we receive a copy of your CVI we will contact you to register your details and offer you an assessment of your needs.

Once the referral has come through we will contact you.

How we can support you

Whether you are Deaf or hard of hearing, we understand how the impact of hearing loss can affect your life. We can provide support and equipment that can help lessen the impact on your everyday life.  We provide items such as telephones, loop systems and alternatives to fire alarms.

We have a weekly Deaf drop-in session that you can come along to. This is an opportunity for Deaf residents to overcome communication barriers.

Get in Touch

You can self-refer by telephone or online, or someone can refer you on your behalf via London Borough of Newham’s Adult Social Care Access Team.

Telephone: 020 8430 2000 Option 2

Textphone: 18001 020 8430 2000

Or online: Newham online form

We also accept referrals directly from your audiogram assessors or health partner, or you can contact us directly if you already have a copy of your recent audiogram.

Once the referral has come through we will contact you.

How we can support you

Some people have difficulties with both hearing and vision. This is called dual sensory impairment or deafblindness.  It may not be the degree of vision or hearing difficulties that impact on your life, but the combination of both.

We can help you to improve your ability to get around and manage your daily living tasks, plan routes and offer long cane training. We work with you to understand your individual communication needs and help you develop alternative ways of doing things.

We can provide amplification equipment and other technology to assist you in accessing information in order to keep you safe, independent and in control of your life.  Each situation is unique and can be tailored to your specific needs.

Get in Touch

You can self-refer by telephone or online, or someone can refer you on your behalf via London Borough of Newham’s Adult Social Care Access Team.

Telephone: 0208 430 2000 Option 2

Or online: Newham online form

We also accept referrals directly from your ophthalmologist, or you can contact us directly if you already have a copy of your recent certificate of visual impairment (CVI). We also manage the visual impairment register and when we receive a copy of your CVI we will contact you to register your details and offer you an assessment of your needs.

Once the referral has come through we will contact you.

The Enabled Living Lounge is designed to look like a real home and is equipped with assistive technology and equipment that can help you to continue to live independently in your own home.

The Lounge is a place where you can try simple aids or adaptations that are designed to help you with tasks like:

• getting in and out of the bath or bed
• getting up and off the toilet or chair
• opening jars and bottles
• putting on socks or shoes
• washing your hair or feet

How we work

If you wish to visit The Lounge for an assessment or to try some equipment you can self-refer by telephone or online, or someone can refer you on your behalf through the London Borough of Newham’s Adult Social Care Access Team.

The contact details for the Access Team

Telephone: 0208 430 2000 Option 2

Or online: Newham online form

Before your appointment you will be asked to provide some information about your home, including measurements and some photos, to help us understand what will be right for your needs.

The Lounge is a welcoming space where we will talk to you about the problems you are having at home. We will assess your situation, demonstrate and recommend different equipment that can help you.  The equipment we offer is free and on loan for as long as you need it.

Our sensory team offer support for people who are blind or partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. We are here to offer support for you and your family. We provide specialist, hands-on practical services tailored to your needs, from registration to rehabilitation, mobility training, support with communication and help to find the services that you need.