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WHEELCHAIRS
Wheelchairs are available on free permanent loan for those people who need them. A referral is required from your GP.
Your special needs will be assessed by an Occupational Therapist who will also help you to decide which sort of wheelchair is the most suitable for your needs. There are different types of wheelchair, all of which are available from the Wheelchair Services Department at the Friarage Hospital. As well as wheelchairs which can be pushed, or self propelled, there are folding pushing wheelchairs and indoor electric wheelchairs, as well as special adaptations for those who have difficulty sitting up. Service and maintenance is provided.
WHEELCHAIR CENTRE
Wheelchairs are available on loan for those people who have a permanent mobility problem. A referral is required from your GP or Consultant. The Wheelchair Centre is based at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
You will normally be asked to attend the centre for your needs to be assessed by a qualified therapist before being provided with a wheelchair. Transit, self-propelled and electric wheelchairs are provided as well as a variety of adaptations and accessories to meet specific needs. The need for cushions and special seating requirements is also assessed and provided where necessary.
In line with recent government recommendations, the Wheelchair Centre has recently implemented the voucher scheme where, following assessment, the client can add some money to upgrade to a better quality of wheelchair.
Electric powered outdoor wheelchairs are not usually available on free loan, owing to their cost. However, provision of an electric-powered attendant-controlled wheelchair may be a possibility where the attendant is frail, and the person is unable to gain mobility allowance.
When considering the purchase of an electric-powered wheelchair do look at the various manufacturers and types available before making a decision. Ask to test-drive a selection in your home area, on your most likely routes, across roads, paths etc. to help you decide which is best for your needs. Help in finding out about the advantages and disadvantages of different styles of power chairs, may be obtained through your Occupational Therapy Services, or Wheelchair Centre, contact:
Wheelchair Services, Friarage Hospital, Northallerton Telephone: (01609) 763914
If you want to buy a wheelchair privately, or an outdoor power driven chair the following are useful addresses:
Ashdale Health Care Telephone: (01609) 772374
1a Standard Way
Northallerton
DL6 2XE
Hunters of Sunderland Telephone: (0191) 548 7722
Alexandra Avenue
Enterprise Park
Sunderland
SR5 2TJ
Ashdale Health Care Telephone: (01904) 611 516
Unit 3, Enterprise Complex
Walmgate
York
YO1 2TJ
OTHER EQUIPMENT
There is a huge range of other equipment available. Some of which may be available on free loan. Once again, your Occupational Therapist is the person to advise you.
Contacts include:
The Community Learning Disability Team
(Learning Disabilities) Telephone: (01609) 751356
Gibraltar House
Thurston Road
Northallerton
Child Development Centre Telephone: (01609) 780471
24 Brompton Road
Northallerton
Occupational Therapy Department Telephone: (01609) 763050
Friarage Hospital or CLDT
Adult and Community Services Occupational Therapists
Via Customer Services
Telephone: 0845 034 9410
The Community Loans Scheme at the Friarage Hospital can provide loans of some equipment for use at home. Items include commodes, cot sides, & walking frames. Ask your Health Visitor or District Nurse, or go through the Community Resource Team, Nurse or Occupational Therapist.
The British Red Cross Telephone: (01609) 772186
Will also loan some items of equipment for a limited period, mainly to adults.
Disabled Living Centres – give free advice and information and have a wide variety of equipment on display. You need to make an appointment. The nearest ones are Leeds and Newcastle:
Disabled Living Centre Telephone: (0113) 279 3140
St Mary’s Hospital Fax: (0113) 231 9291
Greenhill Road
Armley
Leeds LS12 3QE
Disability North Telephone: (0191) 284 0480
The Dene Centre
Castles Farm Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
There are some smaller centres, which have been set up locally. Check with:
Development Officer
Disabled Living Centre Councils Telephone: (0208) 820 0567
1st Floor, Winchester House
11 Cramner Road
London SW9 6ET
Items can be bought through larger branches of Boots the Chemist or:
Ashdale Health Care Telephone: (01609) 772374
1a Standard Way
Northallerton
Before you buy any equipment check that it is not available from Health or Social Services or on loan from the British Red Cross. Items can also be bought through the Occupational Therapist Department at the Friarage Hospital.
The Family Fund often provides funding for a wide range of equipment needed by young disabled people e.g. washing machines, bedding, fencing, play equipment and many others according to individual’s special needs.
The Family Fund Telephone: 0845 1304542
P O Box 50
York
YO1 2ZX
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