30 March 2026

Our Wheelchair Service have introduced important changes, affecting both referral routes and eligibility criteria. This is to ensure we are fully aligned with NHS national guidance, which states that wheelchairs should only be provided for people with a long term disability or medical condition. 

These changes have been designed to improve accessibility and reduce demands on clinical staff. It will also help to ensure that essential equipment is prioritised for full time wheelchair users, rather than for short term, occasional, social or outdoor only use.  

This approach will help the service to remain fair and focused on people who rely on wheelchair seating for safe, daily living, whilst also reducing waiting times for people with complex needs.  

What’s changing 

  • A new self referral pathway will allow people to refer themselves directly to the service 

  • Eligibility criteria are being updated to align with local and national guidance:  

  • Users must have a long-term (6+months) disability or medical condition that significantly affects walking 

  • Users must need a wheelchair frequently and regularly indoors (more days of the week than not) 

  • Wheelchairs and buggies will no longer be provided for social or outdooronly use, rehabilitation, behaviour management or restraint.  

 Why this change is needed 

Demand for assessments has increased, and these changes support us to: 

  • Prioritise patients with complex, essential seating needs 

  • Reduce waiting times 

  • Ensure fair, consistent provision. 

Impact on current users 

Palliative patients and those who require a wheelchair to mobilise safely within a care, day centre, or school environment, will remain eligible. However, some individuals currently using equipment on loan may no longer meet the updated criteria. They will receive personalised letters explaining: 

  • Whether repairs can continue 

  • Whether equipment will be collected 

  • Whether buggy ownership can be transferred. 


Further information, including options for short term use wheelchairs, at low or no cost, is available on our website at www.merseycare.nhs.uk/wheelchair-service. 

For any other enquiries, please contact Krista Mellor, Operational Manager krista.mellor@merseycare.nhs.uk  

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