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Waiting Well

NHS wheelchair services may experience high number of referrals, and this means that waiting times can be longer than planned. This information is to help you manage your health and wellbeing whilst waiting for your equipment.

About Waiting Well

We understand that waiting for an appointment can be frustrating. We aim to keep you updated throughout the process; we may check on you from time to time to check if your needs have changed. If your needs do change, please contact the wheelchair service and ask to speak with the duty clinician. Referrals are prioritized based on clinical need; therefore, waiting times do vary, depending on the complexity of your needs.

We have two wheelchair centers at:

  • Unit 10, Raynesway Park, Derby, DE21 7BH (South)
  • Unit 12, Barlborough Links, Barlborough, S43 4WW (North)

We aim to ensure you are seen at the centre closest to you or your preferred center. We do not always require you to travel; your assessment, if appropriate, may be completed by a telephone or video assessment. 

Requesting Information in an Alternative Format

If you need any of this information in an alternative format – such as braille, easy read, larger print, audio, or another format – please contact us to request this.

E: cabsl.derbyshirewheelchairservice@nhs.net
T: 01332 278648

Who we are

Our clinical team will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your mobility, pressure care, and postural support needs. Depending on your requirements, you may be seen by a Wheelchair Therapist (Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist), a Rehabilitation Engineer, a Rehabilitation Technician, or a Therapy Assistant. Your assessment will be undertaken by the most appropriate member(s) of the team to ensure you receive the right expertise at the right time.

As part of your assessment, we will discuss your daily routines, health considerations, and personal goals. Working together, we will develop an individualized care and support plan, enabling us to recommend the most suitable wheelchair, cushion, and/or postural support equipment from our NHS‑funded range.

Where needed, we will collaborate with community health and social care professionals to ensure your support is coordinated, and with your permission may be invited to your appointment. Our engineering and repair teams will maintain and service the equipment provided to you for as long as it remains on loan, helping ensure your wheelchair continues to meet your needs safely and effectively.

FAQs

  • How long will I have to wait for my wheelchair?

    All referrals are categorised based on clinical need and urgency; therefore, it is not possible to identify the exact timescale. However, the wheelchair service will aim to keep you updated throughout the process. A clinician may contact you to discuss your needs and identify your clinical needs prior to your appointment. 

  • My wheelchair needs a repair, what should I do?

    Please contact the wheelchair service to notify them of the need to repair your wheelchair via cabsl.derbyshirewheelchairservice@nhs.net or 01332 278648. You will be offered the option of a Repair Shop appt at a date and time to meet your needs or we will arrange a field service engineer (FSE) to visit you at home and repair your chair. Sending a photo or short video may help us resolve the issue more quickly for you.

  • I am uncomfortable in my wheelchair

    The support you need will depend on your type of wheelchair, but as general guidance you should ensure correct positioning when you first transfer. Use your wheelchair mainly for moving around and transfer into alternative seating at other times. Change position regularly following pressure‑relief advice. If you cannot transfer, monitor your skin for any red areas, and make sure you use all equipment as it was provided and according to the handover instructions.

  • How do I access a video assessment

    Please click the link below and follow the instructions:

    How to use Video Consultation for Patients

  • What if I no longer need a wheelchair?

    If you no longer need your wheelchair, please contact the service and they will collect this from you, or you can return the wheelchair to one of our wheelchair hubs at Raynesway Park or Barlborough.

    Centre opening times 8:30am to 4:30pm

  • My needs have changed – what do I do?

    If your needs have changed, please contact your wheelchair service
    Examples of how your needs may have changed:

    • Pressure ulcers, including redness to the skin
    • Changes in posture
    • Medical changes
    • Significant changes to your weight
    • If you are unable to use your wheelchair due to it being unsafe to use 
  • I need a wheelchair, where can I hire one?

    Medequip provide wheelchairs for short term use. Please note you will need to be referred to this service by a healthcare professional and will need to meet their eligibility criteria. The British Red Cross offers wheelchair hire in the short term Hire a wheelchair | Easy and affordable | British Red Cross alternatively local mobility shops may be able to support.

  • I no longer need an appointment

    If you no longer require your appointment at any stage, please contact us so we can offer it to another service user. Non‑attendance or short‑notice cancellations without a valid reason prevent others from accessing timely appointments. If you do not attend your first appointment and have not informed us, you may be removed from the waiting lists, so it is important you let us know of any concerns or changes.