We give vouchers to the value of the powered indoor or indoor-outdoor chairs
which we would supply. We emphasise that (if we have only assessed them for
an indoor chair) they are only to drive the chair they buy as an "indoor
chair" ie in their private space at home & garden, or at school. If we give
them a voucher for an indoor-outdoor chair, we expect them to use it as an
NHS outdoor chair, i.e. 4mph & on the pavement, but also to use it in their
house--so we would not agree to them buying a scooter.
In general we have had no more problems giving vouchers for electric chairs
than for manual chairs, and it does allow many more people to get powered
chairs. It also makes it much easier if they want a rising seat or tilt in
space, or some other function which we would not routinely supply.
Stephen GB Kirker MD FRCPI
Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine
Box 120, Disablement Services Centre & Lewin Stroke & Rehab Unit
Addenbrookes NHS Trust
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
01223 217870 fax 01223 242038
-----Original Message-----
From: Jacqui Donaldson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 14 September 2004 09:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: powered wheelchair vouchers
Does anyone out there who is working in wheelchair services, give out
vouchers for powered wheelchairs. If you do have you had to address the
situation of an individual who wants to upgrade to a class 3 vehicle
(8mph). Do you allow it or do you stick to the remit of the nhs whereby
we only assess for class 2 vehicles (4mph)?
I'd be gratefoul for any thoughts, we don't do vouchers for powered
chairs but were weighing up the pros and cons.
Jacqui Donaldson
[log in to unmask]
Jacqui Donaldson, Occupational Therapist
Eastern Cheshire PCT, Wheelchair Assessment Centre,
Gawsworth Building, Blue Zone,
District General Hospital
Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 3BL
Tel: 01625 661064
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