Wheelchairs and Community Equipment
SEQOL Wheelchair & Specialist Seating Service
SEQOL provides assessments for children, young people and adults who require long term manual and powered wheelchairs, with the aim of promoting independence and enhancing their quality of life.
SEQOL Wheelchair & Specialist Seating Service
SEQOL’s team of wheelchair therapists (Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists) work with children, young people and adults who have a long term disability and need manual or powered wheelchairs or specialist seating, for 6 months or more.
How to Request an Assessment
If you feel that your child has a need for a wheelchair or specialist seating, a referral can be made by a healthcare professional (GP, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Social worker). Subsequent referrals can be made directly to the service via telephone or letter.
- Tel: 0303 333 1460; select Option 2
Referrals follow the screening process. This will take place over the phone and, if deemed necessary, a home visit will be arranged, or an appointment arranged in a clinical setting.
The clinical team will assess your child’s individual needs and circumstances, considering factors like access to the home, for example, in order to determine which piece of equipment would be most suitable.
Following the assessment, the equipment is allocated and, if in stock, it will be altered to accommodate the child, or the specifications given to the supplier. Complex alterations are handled by a Medical Engineering service provider.
What Happens if My Child Doesn’t Qualify for a Wheelchair?
If your child doesn’t fulfil the criteria for a wheelchair, or only needs a wheelchair for a limited period, the team can signpost you to other services such as the Red Cross, who offer short term wheelchair loans and mobility aids.
If, however, your child’s needs change, you can write and explain the change in circumstances and request a re-assessment.
Community Aids and Equipment
SEQOL Community Equipment Service delivers and installs a wide range of equipment and complete minor adaptations requisitioned by therapists and nurses. This service aims to aid hospital discharge, prevent hospital admission, support end of life choice, assist care professionals in their work, aid rehabilitation and recovery and enable children to attend schools.
SEQOL Community Equipment Service
The specialist aids and equipment include:
- Perching stools
- Grab rails
- Full hospital beds
- Dynamic mattresses
- Raised toilet seats
- Mobile hoists
Specialist aids and equipment can be purchased directly from SEQOL, or can be used on a short term basis in conjunction with NHS Swindon.
Assistive Technology Aids
Some children may require the use of assistive technology/educational aids e.g. Eye Gaze Software to operate a computer. The child or young person’s need for this equipment is assessed by the Advisory Teacher for Assistive Technology and purchased either directly through the supplier or via the Integrated Community Equipment Store. It is funded by the Local Authority using money it holds that is designated for schools.
Recycling
70-80% of items are recycled through a decontamination system. When a child has finished using a particular piece of equipment, it can be returned, cleaned, serviced and re-used.
Useful Links
SEQOL Wheelchair & Specialist Seating
Service Unit 12 - Birch
Kembrey Park
Swindon Wiltshire
SN2 8UU
Tel: 0303 333 1460
Swindon Assistive Technology Service
British Red Cross: For short-term wheelchair loans and mobility aids
Units 7 & 8
Coped Hall Business Park
Royal Wootton Bassett
SN4 8DP
Tel: 01793 853723 (Mon - Fri, 9.00am - 4.00pm)
Web: http://www.redcross.org.uk/
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
Health Assessment
Support at Home
Complex Health Needs & Palliative Care