Ian Westgate MBE

Long-standing member of the Service User Forum

When people see you for the first time in your new wheelchair, little do they know the journey you have already been on to get this far. To obtain the correct powerchair for you is not a case of picking it from a lineup of different makes and models, nor is it like catalogue shopping. It is a more sophisticated process than that.

The journey begins when you receive notification that you qualify for a powerchair and need expert guidance at every stage through the NHS wheelchair service and a date for assessment is set.

The assessment is to establish what type and style of chair would best suit your needs, size of frame, left or right-handed operation and type of cushion to help posture and comfort. Once everything is established an order is placed and the process begins with the supplier and the supply chain.

The chair arrives, and you eagerly go to collect it and be on your way but there are further final checks to see if it suits you. Is the hand control in a comfortable position, does the backrest need some tweaks, are the footrests in the correct position for your e.g. length? Little things but they all contribute to comfortable riding. Maybe the cushion needs some profile block to correct seating posture.

That done now comes the test drive. If it’s your first powerchair there’s a need to learn about negotiating dropped kerbs, cambered pavements, and narrow doorways.

Finally, you are good to go but will need advice on charging the chair, the care of the machine and cushion then finally you are good to go. By now you will have realised there is more to getting a powerchair than simply picking a pretty one from a display.

As you set off on your maiden voyage it is a good time to reflect on just how much work the wheelchair service professionals do to ensure you have the best possible experience with your new chair. East Sussex Wheelchair Service pays such attention to detail while making the process as comfortable as possible.