Disabled people in England ‘have to wait up to two years for wheelchairs’
Summary
A report by England’s parliamentary and health service ombudsman says delays in NHS wheelchair provision can leave people waiting up to two years and restrict their independence. It highlights long waits, faulty equipment and repairs, with consequences including missed education, pain and difficulty leaving home.Key Facts
- Ombudsman Paula Sussex opened an investigation after complaints about wheelchair services rose from eight in 2020–21 to 110 in 2025–26.
- Four out of five complaints concern a small number of private firms that supply wheelchairs to at least half of people who need them.
- Many complaints involve waits beyond the stated 18-week maximum for wheelchairs or replacement parts.
- A boy with cerebral palsy waited seven months for a wheelchair and missed the start of nursery with his twin brother.
- Graham Woolner waited 26 months beyond the 18-week deadline to receive a wheelchair that worked properly.
- The report identifies a regulatory gap in wheelchair services, including assessment, fitting and repair.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency oversees wheelchair equipment; the article says the Care Quality Commission’s remit is limited.
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