Wheelchair Assessment

[Karen62]

On Monday I had my wheelchair assessment, I was filmed sitting and walking (well stumbling across the room). I was measured, doors were measured and then I was told I am at high risk of falls. Great I thought but then I was told you will have to wait for a decision because she was new and everything had to be checked by her line manager. When I asked how long it might take to find out, I was told they were very busy and it might take some time which is something I might not have masses of.

Is this normally how things go with wheelchair services or is it just Cambridgeshire? I am fortunate that I have the money to buy an electric folding chair but what about those people who don’t have savings? It makes me cross that so far everything has been a bit of a battle to get help and support and we have had to chase everything

[Tony]

Hi Karen

Sadly I think it’s all too common. We are reasonably well served in Solihull and also the wheelchair expert at the MNDA made the referral. The assessment was arranged quickly and focused on my ability to use the chair safely and having the space to store it etc. I didn’t have to convince them of my need. Unfortunately that was a few weeks ago and I’m still waiting! Apparently they need to move the control stick from right to left arm and for some reason that’s taking ages.

The details of the person we spoke to at MNDA are below. She covers national area so might be worth speaking to. Good luck and I do hope they get it sorted quickly for you.

Maggy Hevicon Specialist MND Wheelchair Physio. Tel 07977 344077. Email [email protected]

[Karen62]

Thank you Tony I will get in touch with her.

[JamesW]

Hi Karen,

Sadly the NHS delivery target is 18 weeks from assessment.

Depending on the prescription this can be much less particularly in the case of a standard manual chair, however more complex powerchairs will take a lot longer. Good OT‘s are aware of this and will get your request in early.

Is your service provider in Cambridgeshire Ajm Healthcare?

James x

[Karen62]

Hi Karen,

Sadly the NHS delivery target is 18 weeks from assessment.

Depending on the prescription this can be much less particularly in the case of a standard manual chair, however more complex powerchairs will take a lot longer. Good OT‘s are aware of this and will get your request in early.

Is your service provider in Cambridgeshire Ajm Healthcare?

James x

Hi James, yes it is, my referral went in straight away and initially said I wasn’t eligible. I had to argue for an assessment.

[JamesW]

Hi James, yes it is, my referral went in straight away and initially said I wasn’t eligible. I had to argue for an assessment.

Never be afraid to push your case forward, the wheelchair service is generally very busy and sometimes you’ve got to get your elbows out 👍👍

[Hakuna]

I had an assessment on Wednesday. It was decided I need a small one for indoors which my husband can push. I hope it doesn’t take too long. I am deteriorating pretty quickly. This is hampshire NHS services.

[Music man's wife]

Chris had his assessment for an electric wheelchair before his MND diagnosis, they said it could take up to 9 months to get it. However when the MND diagnosis was known he got it in a few weeks.
Pre pandemic though so no covid excuses.

[MMG]

My hubby got a manual wheelchair within a week of referral and a powered chair was ordered at the same time as MND is treated as a priority. A powered chair was available a few weeks later but we couldn't have it until ramps were installed. thats a whole different story, 12 week wait to be told we don't qualify for funding, and then 1 week to arrange myself. Powered chair delivered next day.