The Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre

The Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre 2014-11-11 Person 3 5 0

I use a wheelchair part time, so wasn't sure I'd be eligible for an NHS chair. However, based on an initial phone assessment I was provided a basic self-propelling chair. Unfortunately it was too big, so I refused it, and requested an in-clinic assessment. The wheelchair technician listened to my requirements, and recommended a slightly lighter, more adjustable chair, and this was provided 6 weeks after the assessment. There were a couple of tweaks needed - the hand rims supplied were rubberised, and the foot plates were the two piece type. I wanted a one piece footplate, and smooth handrims. The handrims were in stock, and were fitted only a week after asking for the swap, and the footplate was swapped once they'd recieved it from their stockist. The chair is a bit heavy - it's not a nippy active user chair. Ideally I'd like something more lightweight and nimble, but the technician has said I can go back if this chair doesn't work for me, so it doesn't feel like I've just been lumped with something rubbish!

The Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre 2014-09-26 Person 1 5 0

As an adult full-time wheelchair user, this service does not provide you with the appropriate mobility equipment to meet your lifestyle needs. They are only interested in providing you with what is in their stock cupboard. When I went for an assessment, the wheelchair they wanted to give me was 3 times bigger than me ! In the end, I was forced to buy my own manual wheelchair. When I asked about the voucher scheme, they said they would only contribute a very small amount to the wheelchair I needed and as they made things so difficult, I didn't even take them up on the minimal voucher scheme they offered me. If you have a choice, I would definitely not recommend Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre. They do not listen to their customers and sadly customers have very little choice around their wheelchair provision with the NHS. I think that it is exceptionally good that IWantGreatCare have introduced rate and review for NHS Wheelchairs Services to allow the customer a voice on their wheelchair providers.