Wheelchair Service Access Report
Download (PDF 227.66 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Darlington undertook a project in to explore the experiences of wheelchair users in Darlington, focusing on delays in provision and the overall quality of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) wheelchair service. A survey was completed by 20 respondents, complemented by a one-to-one interview.
Key findings include:
- 40% of respondents were waiting either for an assessment or a wheelchair after assessment.
- 35% waited more than six months, with multiple accounts of waiting over a year.
- 53% experienced poor communication, and 47% had difficulty accessing assessments.
- Over 90% were unaware of the Personal Wheelchair Budget.
- The top priorities for improvement were CDDFT communication and improvements/repairs, followed by range of wheelchairs and feedback opportunities.
- Nearly half reported worsened health or reduced quality of life due to delays. The feedback includes deeply personal stories of frustration, physical discomfort, emotional stress, and lost independence, including a case involving end-of-life care impacted by delays.