Share review of Dorset Wheelchair Service

Dorset Wheelchair Service 2016-11-10 Person 5 5 0

I have been a wheelchair user for a number of years. My chair was originally supplied while I was in hospital following the amputation of two toes from my left foot due to Type 1 diabetes complications. Although I can still walk short distances, the wheelchair was issued to reduce the risk of ulceration caused by excessive walking and weight-bearing. I presumed that, as I had been supplied with a wheelchair which the Dorset Wheelchair service maintained regularly, that was the limit of their service. I have since had a below knee amputation of my right leg and over time the chair had become slightly unsuitable and uncomfortable to use, so I phoned DWS to see whether they could offer me any advice. I am happy to say that the Dorset Wheelchair Service were quick to deal with the problem. They offered an appointment with a therapist within about a month of my first call. At the appointment I was able to try new wheelchairs based on my needs and had a good choice of options to suit my own personal preferences. Had I chosen different personal options, I could have taken my new wheelchair home that same day, but with the slight changes I requested I still only had to wait an extra day or two before they delivered it to my home. The delivery man arrived within the time frame I was told and he was very knowledgable about the chair he was delivering. He gave clear instructions on it's use and about safety and was polite and friendly. I cannot fault any part of the experience. The wheelchair service must be under the same financial strain as the rest of the NHS, yet the service doesn't make that the first and most obvious thing to the patient. Everyone seemed to understand what I wanted and needed, and I felt that the staff I met face to face actually took care and time to help me which, sadly, I find isn't always the case in many NHS departments