Wheelchair Service Current Waiting Times
Wheelchair Service current waiting times for assessment by category of need for non-urgent cases.
| Category | Waiting time |
|---|---|
| Low | Up to 4 months |
| Medium | Up to 18 months |
| High | Up to 18 months |
| Specialist | Up to 6 months |
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.