I should be happy

 

A week ago I took delivery of my new chair from wheelchair services in Hampshire. As with any NHS service the wheelchair service is underfunded and that is the main reason for the inspiration for this week’s blog.

My story starts in 2021 after we had moved to Hayling Island, I received my referral to wheelchair services to discuss a new wheelchair and attend a sitting for the specialist seating. I remember being so impressed with the level of service, everything was done onsite even the initial carving of my seat.

Original carving in 2021

This seating worked perfectly until I put on weight and because of my water retention I got even bigger. I was told by my doctor that due to the sedimentary nature of my MS I should expect my increase in weight. There is nothing that can be done now that I have complete muscle wastage. I hate the way I now look the worst is at the hairdressers when I have no choice but to sit and look at myself = apologies I going off topic.

Anyway back to the matter in hand.

I therefore had to go back to wheelchair services and get another carving done. I expected to see the same people as before but unfortunately for me I was told that they were now using a different supplier due to cost. No longer was the carving done onsite and I would need to do the carving moulding then it would be sent to the companies workshop to be carved. Every two months I telephoned wheelchair services asking whether the specialist seating was ready. Now in 2023 I was told no but they were chasing, eventually in 2024 they rang me to advise me that because it was taking so long they thought it best to start all over again. I was shocked and couldn’t quite believe what was happening, forget the cost implications but the detrimental effect it was having on my body. Back again I went to sit for the carving in February 2025.

Preperation of the carving 

Finally 3 hours later 

Fast forward to June, despite chasing wheelchair services I am still without my seating. The phone rang last week with the news my new wheelchair had arrived but minus the seating, I was asked to come and collect it.

That was the start of a three hour long process involving Active Design and wheelchair services. My current seating (which is too small and very uncomfortable) was transferred to my new wheelchair.

Not a good look 

The familiar process started agin 

Certainly not an ideal solution. I was told that this was the best solution and when the new seating arrives it can be a straight transition. I was assured that the footprint of the wheelchair 🦽 no different from my previous wheelchair. Hubby and I left the clinic and got into my WAV. 

Why did I trust what I was told (I apologise for what comes next) FFS the wheelchair didn’t fit into the footwell correctly nor were the tiedowns which clamp down the wheelchair in the same place, so with a bit of ingenuity hubby was able to safely clamp down the wheelchair so we could go home- I was knackered and somewhat emotional.

Was I comfortable?

 

My new look 🤬

What to do next? I took to LinkedIn and shamed both parties involved, it worked and I did what I was asked and made an official complaint. Putting everything in it that I had learned during my working life laying out the official complaints procedure. I received a phone call the very next day acknowledging my complaint and the whole process including the time everything is taking. The matter is now being investigated and they will respond within 25 working days with a resolution. If I don’t get one then it’s the ombudsman next.

The reason for writing this blog is to highlight an example of a unnecessary challenge that disabled people have to go through. Is this fair?