Wheelchair and Posture Service
Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service is a clinically-led service which meets the posture and mobility needs of people with a long term disability of all ages across the whole of Shropshire.
Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service staff include
- wheelchair therapists, who are occupational therapists and physiotherapists,
- clinical assistants,
- rehabilitation engineers,
- repair engineers,
- stores specialists and
- an administrative support team.
Our services
The following are provided by the Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service:
- Specialist clinical assessment for wheelchair posture and mobility
- Re-assessment offered for changing conditions
- Bespoke prescriptions for wheelchairs and postural seating
- Issue of manual and powered wheelchairs with special controls
- Maintenance and repair of equipment
- Wheelchair user weighing clinic
A "scope of service" document is provided below, which includes criteria and procedures; it is hoped that both users of the service, as well as commissioners, will find this helpful.
The people we see
The Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service sees people with a long term disability affecting their mobility, including neurological conditions (i.e. Stroke, MS, MND), trauma (i.e. head injuries, spinal injuries); elderly and frail people; children born with a congenital condition; palliative care.
New patients
New patients are referred into the Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service by an Authorised Referrer such as a district nurse, therapist or GP. Professionals who want to become authorised should contact the service for details of our free course.
Existing patients
Existing patients or their representatives can contact us directly for ongoing advice, repairs, and review of their existing equipment. They do not need to be referred by a health professional.
Services we do not offer
The following services are not provided by the team:
- Powered scooters and wheelchairs intended for outdoor use only
- Occasional use wheelchairs (i.e. for shopping trips)
- Blue badges
What to bring with you
- Current wheelchair
- Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
- Carer or professional to support the assessment
- A sling if hoisting is required (or any other transfer aid used)
- Glasses and hearing aids
- Any continence products you may need
- Any food for specific dietary requirements
- Any artificial limbs required
Frequently asked questions
- Do you repair private wheelchairs?
-
Not at the moment.
- Do you provide wheelchairs for nursing homes?
-
Only for very complex health requirements, please contact the team for more information.
- Do you provide blue badges?
-
No, you need to contact Shropshire Council.
- Do you provide wheelchairs or scooters for outside use only?
-
No,we currently do not provide this service.
- Do you provide powered sports wheelchairs?
-
No, we do not provide this service.
Where are we?
Shropshire Rehabilitation Centre
Lancaster Road
Harlescott
Shrewsbury
SY1 3NJ
Parking advice
The Shropshire Rehabilitation Centre has limited car parking space. The nearest bus stop is approx. 500m from the building. Patient Transport is available on request. Please contact the service for more information.
Contact us
Contact us
- Wheelchair and Posture Service
Tel: 01743 444051
Email: shropcom.swaps@nhs.net - Service Manager
Krystyn Jarvis - Rehabilitation Engineer
Mark Stephens
Useful links
The below local organisations can provide a range of useful patient information and support.
The following national organisations also provide information to patients and updates on wheelchair services:
- National Wheelchair Managers Forum
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Here are some video guides to NHS Wheelchairs you may find instructional
- Dismantling & Assembling an Action 2 self-propelled wheelchair
Patient Information
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and our "Local Offer"
What is the Local Offer?
The local offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs (SEND) and their parents or carers in a single place. You can find out more about information about this on our SEND reforms and Local Offers page.
Service Description
Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service is a clinically-led service which meets the posture and mobility needs of people with a long term disability of all ages across the whole of Shropshire. Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service staff include wheelchair therapists, who are occupational therapists and physiotherapists, clinical assistants, rehabilitation engineers, repair engineers, stores specialists and an administrative support team.
What do you provide to children and young people with an additional need and or disability 0-25yrs?
Children and young people are assessed for their developmental needs as well as their clinical/physical needs. This may involve meeting the individual’s needs through partnership working. Regular liaison with local professionals working in Children’s Services is established to ensure ongoing developmental needs of children and young people are addressed in a timely manner.
Do you provide support for parents and carers?
Where there is a known debilitating medical condition with family members who are the main carers, which limits their ability to manage the equipment, then lighter weight wheelchairs or attendant powered controlled wheelchairs can be considered.
Who can use our service? Age? Disability?
Any age, any disability resulting in a mobility and associated postural problem.
How to access our service (inc. referral routes)
New patients are referred into the Shropshire Wheelchair and Posture Service by an Authorised Referrer such as a district nurse, therapist or GP, using the dedicated referral form. Professionals who want to become accredited should contact the service for details of the free course. Existing patients or their representatives can contact the service directly for ongoing advice, repairs, and review of their existing equipment. They do not need to be referred by a health professional.
When and where is our service available?
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am – 4pm
Shropshire Rehabilitation Centre, Lancaster Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury SY1 3NJ
How to find out about the service
Through the Shropshire Community Health trust website and other professionals e.g. GPs, Nurses, Social Care. National Wheelchair Managers Forum has a website with all the local contact details for all wheelchair services in the country
For external agencies: is the service free or charged?
Free, as an NHS service
Is the service accredited? If so, by whom?
Care Quality Commission
How can families complain if they are not happy with the service?
All complaints are handled by our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints teams.