Whilst nationally the quality of this service may vary depending on location, I can only comment on my own experience. When the basic Invacare cushion supplied with my chair became unsuitable I looked up the phone number of my local wheelchair services and made a self-referral over the phone. There were no appointments available at the time so they said they would give me a call when one became available - which was about 6-8 weeks later in the end. She changed my cushion to an upgraded Invacare model and whilst I was there gave me some simple buckle clip foot straps to stop my feet from sliding off the footplate.

All was very well for a while, and then a wound on my bum, which was caused by a carer whipping out my sling and some pain/redness in my coccyx area caused my neurologist concern and prompted him to again refer me to Wheelchair Services. The referral was much quicker this time and about 2-3 weeks later I had an appointment. I was given a very posh cushion - it’s called a Jay Balance - which was packed out with gel, using a little more gel on one side to even my hips out as I have Scoliosis and tend to sit unevenly. I was also given a new tighter-fitting seatbelt to stop me sliding forward in my seat. I also asked if it would be possible to swap my big bulky lateral pads that came with my chair for smaller and slimmer ones that wouldn’t restrict my arms so much. They weren’t sure whether they could provide this but said they would phone me and let me know. Sure enough two weeks later I was asked to come in to be assessed for the new lateral pads which I now have and are great! Whilst I was there I told them about some continuing pain in my coccyx. We tried a few things including an air-filled cushion but in the end just opted for even more gel. I now have no pain whatsoever, the wound on my bum has completely healed and I now sit in a better position than I have done in years. I couldn’t thank the Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Wheelchair Services enough!