Powered wheelchair clinics

This page gives information to patients, their relatives and carers about the Newcastle wheelchair service.

We are based at the Disablement Services Centre at the Freeman Hospital.

This includes details about:

what to do when you arrive
transport
car parking
facilities at the centre.

Coming for an appointment

If you are referred by a healthcare professional about having a powered wheelchair, you might come for an appointment with us.

Powered wheelchairs are also known as electric wheelchairs.

There are three different types of powered wheelchairs which you could be referred to us for – your healthcare professional should have discussed the different types with you. These include:

Electric Indoor Chair (EIC)
Electric Indoor/Outdoor Chair (EPIOC)
Attendant Operated Powered Chair (AOC)

We will discuss which type of wheelchair would suit your needs during your appointment.

Who will assess me?

An Occupational Therapist and a Rehabilitation Engineer will assess you.

There are specific criteria that people must meet, and our staff will ask you a range of questions to find out whether you are eligible for a powered wheelchair.

If you meet the criteria, you will complete an assessment of your wheelchair-driving ability.

How long will the appointment last?

Patients are given 45 minutes for appointments.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Please bring a list of any regular medication and your glasses if you wear them. If you are hoisted for transfers please bring the sling you normally use.