Norfolk Wheelchair Assessment Service

Contact us

You can contact our service Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Telephone number - 01603 216956
Telephone number - 01603 216957
Email address - wheelchair.services@nchc.nhs.uk
Referral information

Address:

Re-enablement Services Centre
Julian Hospital
Site 201 Bowthorpe Road
Norwich
NR2 3UD

Welcome to our service

Our services are available to residents registered with a Norfolk GP surgery. Please be aware, we do not provide services to residents in Great Yarmouth or Waveney.

We are an outpatient service. Our service assesses and provides equipment for people with a long-term need for a wheelchair. This could be from a long-term disability or medical condition that significantly affects your ability to walk for at least 6 months.

We aim to provide a wheelchair within 18 weeks of receiving your referral form.

Assessments

We have a thorough assessment process. This helps us to understand the most beneficial wheelchair we can provide for you.

The assessment process his can involve:

wheelchair assessment
postural assessment
pressure care needs
alterations and adjustments to meet specific needs
reassessment, if you needs or requirements have changed

The clinical assessments will take place in clinic at Re-enablement Service Centre, Norwich and Parkview Clinic, King's Lynn. Home visits are only offered in exceptional circumstances.

All our clinical facilities are easily accessible, have on-site parking and can accept hospital or ambulance transport. Our clinic rooms have equipment to support transferring, manual handling, and hoisting.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the wheelchair service.

Home assessments

Waiting for your assessment

There are local services who may be able to help you while you wait for your assessment or to receive an appropriate wheelchair.

British Red Cross - People of all ages can hire a wheelchair on a donation basis from Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Sheringham, Kings Lynn, North Walsham, Holt and Ipswich.

Telephone: 0300 456 1914
Telephone: 01603 623041

ShopMobility - A charity providing manual and power chairs and mobility scooters for day hire to people visiting Norwich. Contact ShopMobility for more information

Email: shopmobility@equallives.org.uk
Telephone: 01603 365100

Broadland Mobility - Broadland Mobility offer short-term, all-age, bespoke wheelchair and mobility scooter hire options. Broadland Mobility is based in Great Yarmouth.

Email: info@broadlandmobility.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 151 0255
Telephone: 07759 777125

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Types of wheelchair we provide

Our wheelchair services provide a range of wheelchairs. These include:

Manual wheelchairs:
- Transit (attendant-propelled) wheelchairs.
- Self-propelled wheelchairs.
- Postural children's buggies.
- Children's wheelchairs.
Electric and powered wheelchairs:
- Electric powered indoor wheelchair (EPIC)
- Electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchair (EPIOC)
Pressure relieving cushions.
Specialist moulded seating.

We will assess you to find the most suitable wheelchair for your needs.

Equipment we do not provide

We do not provide:

mobility scooters
wheelchairs for short term or temporary use
attendant operated powered wheelchairs
powered wheelchairs for outdoor use only
powered wheelchairs to only use at school, work or day centre
wheelchairs, buggies and equipment like belts to manage behaviour or restrain people
attendant-propelled wheelchairs for inside use only in care homes
wheelchair or buggy accessories, unless clinically indicated, including:
- powered seat riser
- light systems on electric-powered wheelchairs
- weather gear for buggies or wheelchairs

If you live in a care home, your care home should provide you a wheelchair.

Visit Mobility Scheme to learn more about further support for outdoor mobility equipment

Referral

If you have not visited the service before, we will need a referral from a healthcare professional involved in your care. This includes:

GPs
community nurses
occupational therapists
physiotherapists

We will only accept self-referrals from people who are registered with our service.

Your referral is initially assessed against the commissioned eligibility criteria. You will receive a questionnaire which will support our understanding of your needs.

If you are eligible to receive an NHS wheelchair, you will be contacted by our team to progress your referral.

Wheelchair Referral Form

Powered wheelchair criteria

The powered wheelchair criteria:

A referral must be completed by your GP or healthcare provider.
You must complete:
- a powered wheelchair questionnaire
- a powered wheelchair driving assessment
An environmental assessment must be completed on your home or place of residence to make sure it is suitable for a powered wheelchair.
You must comply with the DVLA guidelines for powered wheelchairs:
- Using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs - GOV.UK
- The Highway Code: Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36 to 46) - GOV.UK

If you are not eligible for an NHS wheelchair

If you are not eligible to receive an NHS wheelchair, we will inform you and your GP and provide you with an explanation.

We will also signpost you to alternative providers such as charitable organisations in the local area who may be able to support you further.

Related pages

Elderly Man In Wheelchair Being Fitted With A Prosthetic Leg By Clinician

Wheelchair Services

We provide a comprehensive wheelchair service. Our services are available to residents registered with a Norfolk GP surgery.

Adults Services

Childrens Services

Other Services