Personal wheelchair budget, (PWB) allows the service user to have greater flexibility and choice in personalising their chair to fit their lifestyle needs.

The service user has the right to access a personal wheelchair budget through AJM, allowing them to go further with their mobility. The service user is able to choose from a range of options set out by NHS England to fulfil all their mobility needs.

The personal wheelchair budget department is able to offer popular and affordable upgrades on both power and manual chairs, powered add-ons, bespoke modifications and so much more.

There are three options under the PWB scheme: 

 

1.  Notional NHS chair as it comes with no changes.  The chair is owned by the NHS wheelchair service, and all servicing and maintenance is carried out at their cost.   
2.  NHS chair with changes being made to it (Combined personal wheelchair budget) – the service user would be responsible for payment of the additional items but the chair itself would still be the property of the NHS.  The service user would only be responsible for maintenance and repairs to the top up options. (If powerchair) As an example, the service user can upgrade the powerchair to include a seat riser, allowing them to reach eye level whilst still being seated. Or, they could add lights, allowing them better visibility in the dark.  There are other options, too. (If manual) As an example, the service user could add colour and decorated spoke guards, or change the wheels out for some which are more outdoor friendly, such as mountain bike wheels, etc.  
3. Or the third option is to take the value of the NHS chair and put this towards a wheelchair of service user's choice (Third party personal wheelchair budget).  The service user would be responsible for any additional funds that may be required. Under this option the user would own the chair outright and will be given additional funding to put towards the servicing and maintenance, as this would also be their responsibility. Whilst the service user can take this PWB option to a dealer of their choice, they may be interested in exploring some third-party chair options, our colleagues in the clinical commercial department will be able to show what’s available outside of the NHS range through our suppliers.