Local NHS wheelchair services supply manual wheelchairs, indoor powered wheelchairs, indoor/outdoor powered wheelchairs, buggies and accessories such as pressure care cushions.
To access your local wheelchair service, you will need to be referred into the service by a registered healthcare professional such as a GP, district nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
There are different services depending on where you live.
Wheelchair services for patients living in mid Essex
For patients living in mid Essex, who are unable to walk or have a long-term disability affecting their mobility, wheelchair services are provided by Provide Health.
This service is available to both adults and children who require a wheelchair due to a permanent disability and are registered with a GP in the mid Essex area (excluding Halstead and the Colne Valley).
Please note that temporary disabilities that inhibit walking, such as a broken leg, are not covered.
Wheelchair services for patients living in Southend City
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) offer wheelchair services to to poeple living in Southend with long term mobility needs.
Equipment provided includes; manual wheelchairs, indoor powered wheelchairs, indoor/outdoor wheelchairs, buggies and pressure care cushions for wheelchairs.
EPUT also work in partnership with Whizzkids charity for the provision of children’s wheelchairs for those up to the age of 26 years.
Find out more about the Southend wheelchair serviceWheelchair services for patients living in south west Essex
If you are registered with a GP in Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, and Thurrock you can access the wheelchair services provided by North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT).
The service operates within both social and medical models, providing assessments for children and adults of all ages with long-term and complex needs. We collaborate with various other services to ensure comprehensive care.
Equipment provided following assessment:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Specialist children’s buggies
- Powered wheelchairs for indoor and indoor/outdoor independent use
- Wheelchair accessories
- Wheelchair cushions
- Supportive seating systems for wheelchairs
Short term loan or private purchase if you aren’t eligible for an NHS wheelchair
If you need a wheelchair service on short term loan (less than six months) or if you are not eligible to have a wheelchair provided by the NHS you can contact the following organisations for help and advice with wheelchair hire.
- British Red Cross. Go to the British Red Cross website.