Airedale NHS Wheelchair Services

What does it do?
The team carries out specialist assessment and provides wheelchairs, accessories, pressure relieving cushions and a postural management service for children and adults with long term illness or disability. We help people have a better quality of life and maximise their mobility through provision of a wheelchair that meets their clinical needs. We also provide a Wheelchair repair service.

Who is it for?
Children, young people and adults with a wide range of long term conditions which affect their mobility. Clients must be registered with a GP within the Airedale, Wharfedale & Craven Commissioning Group area including people registered with a Bentham GP. The team provides advice for children and young people, parents, carers as well as other professionals working with the child, young person or adult.

How do I access it?
Your doctor, paediatrician or other health professional can refer you. The referral form is available on the Mobility Services Website (link below). All clients are seen in a clinical, educational, home or work environment dependent on the your specific needs.

Wheelchair services provide individually prescribed wheelchairs and associated equipment for people with long term conditions within the Airedale, Wharfedale & Craven areas.  Referrals can be made for assessment when the patient is registered with a GP within the Bradford and Craven area ,  is lawfully entitled to reside in the UK and to receive NHS treatment for use in their own home.  The person must have an identified long term medical condition or palliative care needs requiring a wheelchair and have a long term mobility problem and be classified as unable to, or virtually unable to walk indoors or outdoors. Long term is more than 6 months.

The service is primarily for daily indoor mobility covering significant periods of use. People who require a transit chair for occasional outdoor only use will not be eligible for an NHS wheelchair unless this requires specialist assessment and monitoring.

Wheelchair services DO NOT PROVIDE for short term use (less than 6 months), wheelchairs for occasional outside use only or wheelchairs to be used instead of armchairs or dining room chairs (static seating).  Further Information is in our  Welcome Booklet below 

We do not provide outdoor only powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The assessing clinician will identify the mobility and postural needs with the patient and their carers before deciding the most suitable provision.

Signposting to local suppliers and charitable organisations will be provided for any referrals which do not meet the eligibility criteria