Wheelchairs and specialist seating

NHS wheelchair service

If you or someone you care for has long-term physical or mobility issues, you might be able to get a wheelchair from the NHS.

AJM Healthcare run the Berkshire West Wheelchair Service for the NHS. 

They provide:

• wheelchairs
• pressure care
• specialist seating systems 

for people who are registered with a GP in Wokingham Borough, Reading, or West Berkshire.

The service is available for children, young people, and adults.

Get an assessment

You need to have an assessment before you can get an NHS wheelchair or other equipment.

To get an assessment you can:

• ask your GP or another health or social care professional to refer you
• refer yourself by filling in a form on the Berkshire West NHS Wheelchair Service webpage

Borrow a wheelchair for a shorter time

Red Cross branches loan wheelchairs on a weekly basis.

Find out about hiring a wheelchair from the Red Cross.

Some shopping centres have a Shopmobility scheme, where you can borrow a wheelchair while you're shopping. This is usually free.

Buy a wheelchair or equipment

If you are looking to buy a wheelchair or mobility equipment, there are options available.

If you receive a benefit because you have a disability or illness that makes it hard for you to get around, you might be able to use this to buy or hire an electric wheelchair and other equipment on the Motability Scheme. 

You can also:

• browse equipment providers on the Local Offer Directory and Adult Directory
• buy or sell second hand equipment on the national website Disability Equipment Service

Changes to your home

If you have a child or young person under 18 with a disability and you need to make changes to your home, our council's Children With Disabilities Team may be able to help.

Find out about home adaptations and specialist equipment for under 18s.

If you or someone in your household is over 18 and has a disability, information about adapting your home is available in care and support for adults.