Darlington NHS Wheelchair Access Survey

Thank you for participating in our survey on NHS wheelchair services. Your feedback will help us influence improvements in service delivery for wheelchair users in Darlington. Responses are anonymous and will guide our discussions with relevant NHS and local authority providers.

1. Are you a wheelchair user currently waiting on or needing an assessment for a new wheelchair?

Yes, waiting for an assessment
Yes, waiting for a new wheelchair after assessment
Yes, but not currently waiting

2. Following assessment, How long did you wait, or have you been waiting, for a new wheelchair?

3. Have you experienced any of the following issues with the wheelchair service? (Select all that apply)

Difficulty accessing assessments
Lack of communication or updates
Inadequate customisation options
Limited choice or poor quality of available wheelchairs
Difficulty obtaining repairs or maintenance
Other (please specify):

4. How would you rate the support provided by the NHS wheelchair service in understanding your needs?

Very Supportive
Somewhat Supportive
Not Supportive
I didn’t feel understood

5. What impact has the delay in receiving a wheelchair had on your quality of life? (Select all that apply)

Limited ability to work or attend school
Difficulty with daily activities
Reduced social engagement
Worsened health or discomfort
Financial strain (e.g., private rentals, temporary solutions)
Other (please specify):

6. Have you been informed of the NHS Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB) option for funding a wheelchair?

Yes, I was informed and opted for it
Yes, but I opted out
No, I was not informed

7. What would you most like to see improved in NHS wheelchair services? (Rate each aspect from 1–5, with 5 being the highest priority)

Speed of assessment and deliver
Quality and range of wheelchair options
Communication and follow-up support
Availability of repairs and maintenance services
Opportunities to provide feedback on services

8. Additional Comments: Do you have other thoughts on how NHS wheelchair services could better support you?

9. How old are you?

10. How would you describe your gender?

Male
Female

Prefer not to say
Prefer to self describe?:

11. Are you currently.... ?

12. Could you tell us more about your physical or mental health conditions? (Please tick all that apply)

Long term standing illness or health condition
Such as: cancer, HIV, diabetes, chronic heart disease / circulatory conditions, high blood pressure, respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD), epilepsy, digestive conditions (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
Physical impairment or mobility issue
Such as: difficulty using your arms or using a wheelchair or crutches
Sensory loss
Such as: sight and/or hearing loss
Mental health conditions or illnesses
Such as: anxiety, depression, and eating disorders
Developmental conditions
Such as: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes Asperger syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning impairments e.g. dyslexia and processing issues
Genetic conditions
Such as: Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis
Prefer not to say
None
Other (please specify):