Share review of Bolton Wheelchair Services

Bolton Wheelchair Services 2014-09-26 Person 1 5 0

When being assessed for a new wheelchair, Bolton Wheelchair Service offered me a manual "lightweight" chair to replace the one I had previously purchased myself. I had had this wheelchair for 5 years and was ready for a new ones which the NHS assured me they could provide. Unfortunately, the equipment they offered was heavier than the chair I already had and I could not lift it into my car independently. When I expressed this to the team, I was met with quite a defensive reaction. They said that the chair they offered definitely met my needs and although I argued the point, my opinion was discarded. I then requested the voucher the BWS provide if they are unable to meet a person's needs. I had to argue my case for this voucher which was difficult and incredibly demeaning. When I eventually did receive this voucher, it was £500 - a sum that is substantially less than vouchers given in other neighbouring postcodes. Although the £500 did help towards the cost of my new wheelchair, I still had to pay over £3000 myself. As I work full-time there were no other grants available to me to help with these costs. I therefore felt very let down by my wheelchair services and have been reluctant to return.