Referrals and eligibility criteria

Referrals

If you are a new wheelchair service user, you will need to be referred by an appropriately qualified health or social care professionals, such as your GP.

If you are already a wheelchair service user, you can refer yourself for a re-assessment at any time. You do not need to complete a form.

The wheelchairs and accessories we provide are NHS property and are loaned to you for free. There are some conditions you must follow, such as keeping the equipment in good condition. You must return equipment when you no longer need it, and you cannot give it away.

All referrals must meet the eligibility criteria, which are decided by our NHS commissioners. If you are not eligible for an NHS wheelchair, we'll explain why and help you to access alternative options.

Please click here to download our referral form

Please click here to download our standard terms and conditions of loan

Eligibility Criteria

Those wishing to access the service must:

Have limited mobility affecting their ability to participate in activities of daily living (as identified by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO 2000);
Have, where appropriate, undertaken a mobility assessment / treatment programme and be assessed as unable to gain mobility with the use of portable aids, be immobile or in a position where their health is compromised without the use of a wheelchair and require the use of a wheelchair for indoor use only or both indoor and outdoor use but not outdoor use exclusively’
Have a permanent need for a wheelchair and registered with a GP in Berkshire West.

The service cannot supply wheelchairs for short term loan or for assessment purpose to hospital wards, rehabilitation services or other external agencies, such as care homes for ad-hoc use.

The service does not supply wheelchairs for use in education. It is the responsibility of the Education authority to fund equipment used exclusively at school.

Special cushions will not be issued for use in armchairs and a pressure relieving cushion will be issued providing the service user is using their wheelchair at least two to three times weekly and the cushion is used as part of their overall pressure care management.