Children (0-12 years): NHS Wheelchair Services (WS)
Children (0-12 years): NHS Wheelchair Services (WS)
Page last updated: February 2024
Funding for a powerchair can become complex. Many children who have SMA need seat elevation and tilt-in-space (the seat-to-back angle remains the same while the whole seating system is tilted backwards). This helps with their positioning and posture, to join in at school and to socialise with friends and family.
Generally, seat elevation or height adjustability is not considered a clinical need and is not usually available through the NHS. In some areas it is possible to organise joint funding of a wheelchair with education paying for any necessary seat elevation and ‘tilt in space’ functions.
Following your child’s assessment, there are several possible outcomes:
This usually includes a 3 – 5 year maintenance agreement. The chair belongs to the NHS and they are responsible for insurance, maintenance and repairs.
This is likely to be due to the regional criteria and what funding has been allocated to wheelchair funding.
If WS will not pay for seat elevation and ‘tilt-in-space’ functions, in some areas it is possible to organise joint funding with education. They will pay for these so that your child is properly able to access educational and social opportunities at school. Your OT / physio should be able to advise you how to try to pursue this possibility.
If you remain unhappy about a decision, though it is difficult, this can be challenged under NHS legislation and Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Law. Your OT / physio should be able to advise you if this has been done in your area and tell you where and how to appeal if you wish and support you to do so. In England this would be to your local Integrated Care Board.
Personal Wheelchair Budgets (previously wheelchair vouchers) are possible in England. You can use this towards the cost of buying any wheelchair of your choice.
With a personal wheelchair budget, you would expect your child to have had:
- a personalised assessment where you are supported to identify the health and wellbeing outcomes you wish them to achieve
- a care plan which captures the health and wellbeing outcomes identified. These may be part of any wider care plans your child requires for their care, for example an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- care that is better integrated, meaning that different agencies work together to support your child’s postural and mobility needs and achieve their health and wellbeing outcomes
- information provided upfront about the amount of money available in your child’s personal wheelchair budget and the options available to you locally to use it
- information about the repair and maintenance of wheelchairs, if the option to purchase a wheelchair outside of the NHS commissioned service is taken.
WS must give a clear reason, in writing, which you can then discuss with your OT / physio. If it is due to the regional criteria and what funding has been allocated in your area, though it is difficult, this can be challenged under NHS legislation and Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Law. Your OT / physio should be able to advise you if this has been done in your area and tell you where and how to appeal if you wish and support you to do so. In England this would be to your local Integrated Care Board.