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Wheelchair services

Our wheelchair service helps people in Suffolk who need a wheelchair to stay independent and move around safely.

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Services we provide

The service is run by West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Our clinical team carries out assessments and fittings. Rosscare is our approved repairer and is also in charge of deliveries and collections.

Do I qualify for a wheelchair assessment?

You may qualify for an assessment if you:

  • have a GP in Suffolk
  • need a wheelchair for more than six months
  • will use the wheelchair four times a week or more
  • have a medical condition that affects how you walk, either indoors or outdoors

If you answered yes to all of the above, please speak to your GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can fill out a referral form and send it to us.

How do I get referred?

  • If you meet the criteria above, your GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist can refer you.
  • If you are already known to the service, you can self-refer. You can do this by phoning us or completing the paper referral form and sending it in.

What type of wheelchair can we provide?

We may be able to provide:

  • a manual wheelchair pushed by a carer or attendant
  • a manual wheelchair you can move yourself
  • a supportive buggy for children over 36 months old
  • an electric powered indoor chair (EPIC) – if you cannot move around at home in any other way
  • an electric powered indoor/outdoor chair (EPIOC) – if you qualify for an EPIC and can safely get in and out of your home

The wheelchair must be strong enough for your weight and needs. We will also think about the needs of your carer, but the main focus is on what you need as the wheelchair user.

Contact the team

Suffolk Wheelchair Service
Chantry Clinic
Hawthorne Drive
Ipswich
Suffolk IP2 0QY

Telephone: 01473 351805 (When prompted, press option 2, then option 2 again)

You can call us between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Email: adminwheelchairservices@wsh.nhs.uk

Repairs: Rosscare 01473 351805 (when prompted select option 2, and then option 1)

Appointments

We will phone you to arrange an appointment, usually at one of our clinics. Some patients can be seen at home, but it’s better to come to a clinic if you can.

You are welcome to bring someone with you, such as a chaperone or companion.

Try to arrive on time for your appointment. If you are late, we may not be able to see you and you might need to book a new appointment.

If you need patient transport, please see our frequently asked questions.

Clinic locations

Chantry Clinic
Hawthorn Drive
Ipswich
IP2 0QY

Disability Resource Centre
Bunting Road
Moreton Hall
Bury St Edmunds
IP32 7BX

Cancelling or changing your appointment

If you cannot come to your appointment or no longer need it, please tell us as soon as possible. We may be able to offer your appointment to another patient.

If you miss your appointment without telling us, this will be marked as Did Not Attend (DNA).
If you miss two appointments or cancel two in a row, you may be discharged from the service.

To change or cancel your appointment:

Frequently asked questions

Personal wheelchair budget

There are three choices for using your personal wheelchair budget (PWB).

Personal wheelchair support plan

At your assessment, we’ll help you think about the things that matter most to you, so we can create a personal wheelchair support plan together. This will help ensure you get a chair that meets your needs.

Please download the Personal Wheelchair Budget Support Template and bring it to your assessment.

Additional support

Pressure relief cushions
You can still get pressure relief cushions for your wheelchair from the service.

Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is recommended, especially if you use a powered wheelchair in public places.