Wheelchair Service

Overview

You may be eligible if you:

• Are registered with a Liverpool, Knowsley or Southport and  Formby GP
• Have a long term mobility impairment (6 months+)
• Cannot walk safely indoors
• Need a wheelchair to move around a school, day centre or care setting
• Require specialist seating or posture support
• Need equipment due to a palliative condition (end of life).

You are not eligible if you:

• Only need a wheelchair for outdoor, occasional, or social use
• Can walk safely indoors
• Do not have a physical mobility impairment
• Need a buggy or wheelchair to manage behaviour that challenges.

We do assess for:

• Wheelchairs for residents with a Liverpool, Knowsley or North Sefton GP
• Long‑term mobility conditions (6 months+)
• People needing to use a wheelchair indoors
• Outdoor use only in specific circumstances:
  • Palliative stage
  • Essential for safe mobility in formal care settings (education/day services)
• Children (36+ months) with physical mobility impairment or postural needs.
• Powered wheelchairs where:
  • Needed indoors and outdoors
  • Safe operation can be demonstrated
• Pressure care and clinical accessories.

We do not provide:

• Provision for patients registered outside the service area
• Short term wheelchairs (under 6 months)
• Wheelchairs as part of your rehabilitation programme
• Wheelchairs replacing static seating
• Outdoor only wheelchairs when indoor mobility is safe
• Buggies and wheelchairs for managing behaviour
• Double buggies
• Scooter or outdoor only powered devices, folding powerchairs
• Powerpacks or attendant controlled powered wheelchairs
• Items given solely for restraint.

Read the user manual and supporting conditions of loan information thoroughly. If you have any queries about any of this information, contact your Wheelchair Service.

You will risk tipping the wheelchair if...

• You stand on the footplates
• You try to descend forwards down a step or kerb onto the front castors
• You travel at speeds in excess of a brisk walking pace, read about guidelines on Wheelchair Stability for further advice.

Be mindful of...

• When unfolding and folding your wheelchair take care to ensure that your hand or fingers are not positioned between moving parts to avoid getting trapped
• When straightening the wheelchair backrest make sure the levers are pushed down fully (where applicable)
• When replacing the armrests make sure that both ends are located in their sockets and the safety clips are secured (where applicable)
• Always apply your wheel locks before transferring to or from your wheelchair
• Do not try to slow down or stop your wheelchair by applying the wheel locks
• Never attempt to negotiate stairs unassisted
• Never use an escalator to move a wheelchair between floors
• Never attempt to lift a wheelchair by its armrests or footrests, or any other part that easily detached
• Never use your wheelchair under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inform us if you have any adverse reactions to any equipment
• Take care when using your wheelchair in unfamiliar environments, and on rough ground. Avoid grids, potholes etc.
• Do not use in snow, ice or on the beach
• Take care when approaching automatic doors to avoid colliding with a partially open door.

The lap / posture belt fitted to the wheelchair

This is for safety and positioning only, it must not be used for restraint. The belt must be used at all times of occupancy and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. You must make sure that the belt is in a satisfactory condition and adjusted correctly. It should be firmly fastened across your hips but not too tight to cause you unnecessary distress.

At the same time, the belt should not be too loose to allow you to slide down your wheelchair, which may cause you to end up with the belt around your neck resulting in strangulation, or cause you to fall from the wheelchair. There have been incidents of people slipping down their wheelchair when the belt is too loose.

Report any concerns, accidents or ‘near misses’ to the Wheelchair Service.

Powered wheelchair charging and use

Proper charging and safe use protects battery life and reduces the risk of breakdown. Powered wheelchairs must be stored indoors and should not be operated under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Full guidance

Charger Connecting the battery charger

• Switch off wheelchair                                                                                                            
• Plug battery charger into the socket on the wheelchair                                                              
• Plug the battery charger into the mains socket and switch on                                                   
• Do not leave on charge overnight - it is always best practice to switch off electricity at the mains and remove the three pin plug before retiring for the night.                                                                             

Disconnecting the battery charger    

• Check that the fully charged indicator light is lit on the battery charger. If it is not, contact the repairers and report the fault                                                                              
• Switch the battery charger off at the mains                                                                                 
• Disconnect the battery charger from the wheelchair

Additional information

Connecting or disconnecting the battery charger from the wheelchair whilst the mains are still on will, over a period, result in damaged connections within the wheelchair battery charging socket. This will result in the wheelchair having a reduced range and reduced power.

• Repairs are free for normal wear and tear
• Urgent repairs will be prioritised if the user depends on the wheelchair for indoor mobility
• Out of hours emergency repairs are provided by Ross Care in Liverpool and Southport & Formby.

Full repair information 

• Long term loan wheelchairs must be kept clean and maintained
• Faults must be reported immediately
• Repairers respond within 3 working days (day of report is day zero)
• Some repairs may require workshop collection
• Temporary loan chairs issued where possible (not always available for bespoke chairs)
• Users must transfer out of the wheelchair for repair
• Engineers must conduct periodic safety reviews.

Emergency repairs

• Wheelchair unsafe or not mobile
• User is dependent on it for indoor mobility.

• It must only be used for carrying yourself
• You must read and abide by the instructions in the manufacturer’s user manual and conditions of loan given with the wheelchair
• It must be used for mobility purpose only and not in place of static seating
• It is important that you only use the footrests, armrests and accessories supplied by the wheelchair service for your chair. Using items from another wheelchair may result in an accident leading to injury
• It must be given up for repair/inspection if we ask you to do so. If it necessary for us to take your chair into the workshop for repair we will aim to provide you with a temporary loan chair where possible. Please note: in the case of powered wheelchair repairs you will be provided with a temporary loan indoor only powered chair
• It must not be disposed of – please call us to discuss arrangements
• It must be kept clean and in good working order
• It must be protected from damage at all times
• It must not be altered nor have any attachments fitted without our agreement
• It must not be used for impact/contact sports/activities
• You must allow the wheelchair service staff to carry out periodic reviews of provision. If it is felt that it is unsafe to use equipment, then it will be withdrawn. If circumstances change and you no longer fit the criteria for supply the equipment will be withdrawn
• If the equipment is damaged by any means other than fair wear and tear you may be liable for the cost of repair
• If you lose your chair or any accessory/removable parts issued with the wheelchair you may be liable for the cost of the replacement

Additional conditions of loan for powered wheelchairs

• You must not operate the powered wheelchair under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some medications may also impact your ability to drive, please notify the wheelchair service of any changes in medication that may affect your ability to safely operate your powered wheelchair.
• It is your responsibility to ensure you have a power point available for charging the battery and you must pay any electricity costs for charging the chair
• You must look after the battery as shown in the instructions issued with the chair
• The Electric Powered Indoor Outdoor Chair (EPIOC) supplied is a class 2 vehicle and must only be used indoors and on the pavement. The law applying to your chair is The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988. It must not be used on ramps with a slope of more than that recommended in the manufacturer’s manual
• The powered wheelchair must not be stored outdoors
• It is strongly recommended that you take out third party insurance and breakdown / recovery. This can be purchased privately through several companies.

Taking the wheelchair abroad 

Permission must be given from the Wheelchair Service and appropriate insurance obtained to cover the cost of any damage, loss or repair during travel. In the event of damage occurring you will be required to cover the cost of replacement of the damage or loss.  

The Wheelchair Service will not fund any adaptations necessary to use the equipment abroad.

Click on the relevant links below for further information

• Government advice
• Civil Aviation Authority advice

If you are eligible for an NHS wheelchair, you may be offered a Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB) to give you more choice in equipment.

Personal Wheelchair Budget / voucher scheme

Mersey Care Wheelchair Services currently offer a Personal Wheelchair Budget or voucher scheme to support patient choice. Please contact your individual wheelchair service to understand the current offer.

Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB) Liverpool Wheelchair Service and Southport and Formby Wheelchair Service.

If you are eligible for a wheelchair from the NHS, you will be offered a personal wheelchair budget. During your assessment you will be supported to identify your needs and what you would like to achieve with your wheelchair. You will then be advised of the cost of your provision and options. This is your PWB.

Voucher scheme - Knowsley Wheelchair Service

Vouchers are available for eligible wheelchair users for manual and powered wheelchairs. A wheelchair voucher scheme is available and complies with the requirements of the NHS Executive document (HSG (96) 53 issued in December 1996. Applicants must be assessed as meeting the criteria for the supply of a wheelchair by Knowsley Wheelchair Service before they can apply for a voucher.

Currently the Independent Option is available; the user will receive a Voucher to the value of the wheelchair the NHS would prescribe.

Any wheelchair that a client wishes to purchase under the PWB / voucher scheme must be signed off by the assessing therapist in order that its appropriateness for the client’s needs is confirmed. If the chosen wheelchair is deemed to be inappropriate the Wheelchair Service has the right to withhold the voucher/ PWB.

Information to support private purchase or hire

There are a number of different ways you could access a wheelchair if you are not eligible for a wheelchair or buggy from the NHS:

• Use of wheelchairs available at centre - A number of large companies such as supermarkets and shopping centres have a fleet of loan wheelchairs for you to use around their centre. Many of these centres also have designated parking to enable you to access the shopping centre/ supermarket easily. You may wish to consider looking into the blue badge scheme to support you to access the closest parking options. Blue Badge information
• Temporary hire - Shop mobility, mobility shops and charities such as the red cross provide short term loan of wheelchairs for a small fee / donation. Please see the list of potential hire options available in the local area.
• Private purchase - There are a wide range of wheelchairs now available on the private market for a relatively low cost. Purchase of your own wheelchair may be a more suitable option than hire if you will be using it frequently.

The list of mobility shops may help you to choose a suitable wheelchair supplier.

There may be charities who can support you to fund the purchase of a wheelchair. Use this guide to help you source a suitable charity.

You may also want to consider other equipment options such as walking sticks, wheeled walkers with seats or mobility scooters to support your outdoor mobility. Mobility shops will be able to provide some support however we would recommend assessment by a healthcare professional if your mobility has deteriorated recently or you are experiencing frequent falls as there may be other care options available to support you.

Watch our how to measure guide and video to help you with what you will need to measure and check when purchasing your own wheelchair/ buggy.

You may benefit from an assessment from one of the specialist teams if you have experienced frequent falls or are struggling to mobilise distances.  Mersey Care Community Physiotherapy or Mersey Care Falls service can offer assessment and rehabilitation where mobility may have been impacted.

They can support you with assessment and provision of a treatment programme sometimes in conjunction with walking aids/ equipment to support your outdoor and indoor mobility needs. Please contact your GP to request a referral into these services.

1. General service changes

1.1 Why are the eligibility criteria changing?

We are updating the criteria, so they align with current national and local guidance. This helps ensure that NHS wheelchair provision is prioritised for people with the greatest clinical need and supports improvements in waiting times for those requiring complex seating and assessment.

More information can be found here: Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters - Social care and support guide - NHS

Care and support you can get for free - Social care and support guide - NHS

1.2 When do the changes come into effect?

The new eligibility criteria and self referral process go live on 1 April 2026.

1.3 What are the main changes?

The key changes are:

• People can now self refer using a simple form
• Wheelchairs and buggies will no longer be provided for:
  • Social use
  • Occasional use
  • Outdoor only use
• People who can walk safely indoors will not be eligible for NHS wheelchair or buggy provision
• Provision continues for:
  • Palliative patients (those at the end of their life)
  • Individuals needing a wheelchair to mobilise safely in a care, school, or day centre setting
  • Full time wheelchair users
  • People with essential postural or seating needs.

2. Self referral

2.1 Who can self-refer?

Anyone living within our service’s catchment who believes they meet the eligibility criteria can self refer.

2.2 Can GPs and clinicians still refer?

Yes. Healthcare professionals can still make referrals when this is clinically appropriate.

2.3 What information will people need to provide?

The self referral form asks for:

• Basic personal information
• Information about mobility indoors and outdoors
• Details of functional needs
• Any relevant clinical information.

3. Eligibility criteria

3.1 Who is eligible for an NHS wheelchair or buggy?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are registered with a GP in Liverpool, Knowsley or Sefton.
• Have a permanent disability or medical condition that will last longer than 6 months
   
• Cannot walk safely or at all indoors
• Require a wheelchair for daily activities in a care, school, or community support setting
• Have essential postural or seating needs
• Are receiving palliative care.

3.2 Who is not eligible?

People are not eligible if they:

• Can walk indoors safely
• Need a wheelchair only for outdoor, shopping, social, or occasional use
• Are recovering from surgery, injury or illness and their needs are likely to change within 6 months
• Do not have a physical mobility impairment
• Require a buggy for convenience, behavioural management or restraint.
   

3.3 What about children who walk indoors but get tired over longer distances?

Children who can walk safely indoors and do not have a physical mobility impairment will not meet the criteria. Families will be signposted to hire, loan, or private purchase options.

4. Impact on Current Equipment Users

4.1 I already have a buggy/wheelchair from the service. Will it be taken away?

If you no longer meet the updated criteria, the service will write to you directly.
You may be offered one of the following choices:

• Transfer of ownership of the equipment., or
• Return the wheelchair

4.2 How will equipment collection work?

If you would like us to collect the equipment, please contact the service.

4.3 Will you continue to repair my equipment?

If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, the service cannot continue repairing or maintaining your NHS loaned wheelchair or buggy. You will receive a letter explaining what happens next.

5. Repairs

5.1 Why has my repair request been refused?

If you no longer meet the updated criteria, we cannot continue repairing or maintaining your NHS loaned equipment.

5.2 What should I do if my wheelchair is broken?

If the chair is unsafe, stop using it immediately and contact our team to arrange collection.

5.3 Can I get repairs elsewhere?

Yes - repair, hire, and private companies operate locally. Please check with your local mobility shop for services provided.

6. Alternatives and signposting

6.1 What if I need a wheelchair only occasionally?

Options include:

• Shopping centres and public venues offering short term loans
• Local hire services
• Low cost private purchase options.

Links and contact details will be available on the website.

6.2 Are there charities that can help?

Yes - some charitable organisations offer support or equipment on loan. The website will provide up to date information.

7. Appeals and feedback

7.1 Can I appeal a decision?

Yes. Details will be provided in your letter.
You can contact the service if you believe:

• The information used in your assessment was incorrect
• There has been a change in your circumstances.

7.2 How do I make a complaint or leave feedback?

You can contact:

• PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service): 0800 328 2941
• Healthwatch Independent Advocacy
• The service directly if you have questions.

8. Data and privacy

8.1 How is my information used?

Information is processed in line with Mersey Care’s privacy policy:
www.merseycare.nhs.uk/privacy

8.2 Why do you need my personal details for a referral?

We use your information to:

• Assess eligibility
• Arrange appointments, equipment, or collections
• Keep accurate clinical and equipment records.