This half-day event on 10th June was to offer Association Visitors and Regional Care Development Advisors a better understanding of the latest support and provision of wheelchairs for people with MND, and to have a better understanding of the facilities available at the QEF Mobility Centre.
An Occupational Therapist is in post, funded by the MND Association to bridge the gap between Regional Care Centres and local Wheelchair Services, and to enhance the provision of wheelchair and mobility equipment through training, assessment and timely provision. This post is based within QEF.
A specific neuro powered wheelchair prescription is now available, and there are four powered neuro-wheelchair models available. These chairs are usually delivered by the manufacturer within 5-10 working days which significantly lowers the assessment to provision lead time. It is recommended that Wheelchair Services and pwMND opt for a neuro-chair in the first instance as this chair will adapt as necessary, removing the need for repeat therapist visits and the re-ordering of equipment. Essentially it means the pwMND has the right chair at the right time.
Wheelchairs are usually funded by the NHS (average cost of a neuro-chair being ?2,700) with initial referrals required from a GP or Health Professional (a review can be requested by an AV or a client can self refer once known to the wheelchair service). The aim is always to provide an appropriate wheelchair before need, to reduce crisis situations. If there is an unexpected delay, it is possible to loan/hire a wheelchair. MNDA funding can be available for this eventuality through an equipment grant.
Further advice given was always to go through your local Wheelchair Service, even if intending to purchase your own wheelchair. This ensures that your purchased wheelchair will meet your clinical needs, both now and in the future, as well as being suitable for your home environment, vehicle, lifestyle etc.
QEF provides a full range of mobility services, housed in a purpose built building, including wheelchair assessments and the opportunity to try out a range of wheelchairs from self-propelled, tilt in space to powered wheelchairs especially developed for people with neurological diseases. Also available is a whole range of motorised scooters.
QEF has numerous other areas of advice/expertise to offer. Firstly, they have several cars, adapted to take a wheelchair with seated passenger, available for people to try, e.g. Doblo and Multipla. QEF is then able to advise on dealers who offer vehicles to buy or lease (a second hand, specially adapted vehicle can often be sourced for ?5-6,000). There is also a driving track for use when test driving vehicles. Secondly, in the demonstration area QEF have a plane fuselage with seating etc. for pwMND and other disabilities to be assessed for plane transfers, harnesses etc. QEF has a whole range of aids available for hire when holidaying.
The Foundation has more equipment and expertise to offer than is possible to include here. Anyone needing advice and support from QE Foundation Mobility Services can check their website: www.qef.org.uk? or email: mobility@qef.org.uk