This is a national scheme initiated by the government. At the
moment the NHS Wheelchair Service has a very limited range of manual
wheelchairs available for issue. In order to increase the
range and choice available this scheme has been introduced.
Wheelchair users will be able to add money to a voucher to select an
alternative manual wheelchair that may be lighter or more compact
than the one that would normally be issued.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An assessment will be carried out by an approved Therapist from the
NHS Wheelchair Services department. This assessment is free of
charge, and may be arranged by a visit to your GP. If the
application criteria are met a voucher will be issued. If
needed, the user can then add money to this voucher to choose an
alternative manual wheelchair from the options available.
THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS:
1. The Standard Option
To accept the wheelchair that has been prescribed. This will
be supplied (on loan) and maintained by the Wheelchair Services for
as long as needed. If the wheelchair is no longer required it
must be returned to the Wheelchair Services department. If
this option is chosen the user will be able to apply for voucher
within four months of issue.
2. The Partnership Option
With this option the user can contribute to the cost of an
alternative wheelchair from a limited range. The chair chosen MUST
be approved by the Wheelchair Services department. It will
still be owned by the Wheelchair Services department who will be
responsible for all repair and maintenance costs. The range under
this option will be limited to approximately ten wheelchairs.
As with the standard option, if the chair is no longer required it
must be returned to the Wheelchair Services department.
3. The Independent Option
This option means independent of the
Wheelchair Services department. If needed, the user can add
money to the voucher to obtain the wheelchair of their choice from
one of our approval agents. One of the provisions is that the
chair must meet the clinical needs of the user. If this option
is taken the user will own the wheelchair and be totally responsible
for maintenance, repair, insurance and other associated costs.
Choice Mobility are an approved supplier
for the wheelchair voucher scheme, with a wide range of wheelchairs
available to meet all criteria and voucher values. If you
would like any further information about the scheme then please do
not hesitate to contact us, your GP, or the Specialist Mobility
Rehabilitation Centre at Preston on Tel: 01772 716921.
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