Specialist Seating Service
Overview
The service provides both manual and powered wheelchairs with specialist seating systems to support those with complex postural needs.
Left: Sunrise Salsa R2 powered wheelchair, Right: Customised wheelchair, backrest manufactured using Digital Seating Service (DSS) process
Assessment
Assessments of biomechanical function, postural need and the patient's functional requirements are carried out in order to determine the most effective seating system for the individual. Custom seating solutions are prescribed by the Clinicians, ensuring patient comfort, pressure care and where possible enhanced mobility.
Equipment
Following prescription of equipment, wheelchairs and/or required parts will be ordered from external suppliers. It can take approximately 8 weeks from ordering to delivery with additional time required for custom modifications at the REU.
Facilities
At the centre we have a fully equipped workshop and skilled staff to manufacture custom seating solutions and provide any technical modifications that can benefit our patients.
Custom moulded seating is manufactured at the REU using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies through our Digital Seating Service (DSS). The development of this technique received national recognition at the Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists UK Awards in 2009.
Left: Working on a chair in the workshop, Middle: Workshop machine room, Right: CNC machine room
Referral
All referrals for the Specialist Seating Service are received from the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (ALAC). ALAC accepts referrals from Medical Practitioners/Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists and other health care professionals.
If your referral has been allocated to the REU, the client should be assessed within approximately four weeks and the necessary equipment issued within 26 weeks.
Maintenance/Repairs
If there is a problem with any custom equipment please contact the REU. However, maintenance of common wheelchair parts e.g. tyres, brakes, lap belts, footplates, armrest and powered wheelchair components is provided by ALAC, contact number: 02920313930
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.