On 1 July 2023, the Red Cross stopped its short-term wheelchair loan service.
A range of options remain available if people require a wheelchair and these are described below:
Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Service (TORT)
TORT will assess, prescribe and provide wheelchairs for those in need of a wheelchair for permanent and substantial use (normally over 6 months).
TORT will also accept referrals for consideration of short-term loan of wheelchairs under the following circumstances:
- End of Life support
- Paediatric orthopaedic needs
- In-patients with specifically assessed clinical needs for non-weight bearing discharge from hospital
Referrals for provision of wheelchairs by the TORT regional wheelchair service will only be accepted by formal referral from a healthcare practitioner.
For information and referrals: tay.atservice@nhs.scot
If you or a family member have input from a GP, Occupational Therapist (OT), Physiotherapist (PT) or nurse, you can speak to them directly as they may be able to make a referral to TORT.
It should be noted, that care homes (residential and nursing) remain responsible for providing standard wheelchairs for their residents.
What happens if you or a family member have reduced mobility and are finding it difficult to mobilise outdoors?
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) has access to five wheelchairs which may be available to loan to meet emergency situations. If appropriate, please call your AHSCP worker for further advice in relation to this. If you do not have a worker from AHSCP please contact First Contact OT on 01241 465274 or email FirstContactOT@angus.gov.uk.
Other options:
AHSCP are aware of a number of mobility shops/ businesses in Angus and nearby towns who may be able to assist you. Whilst we can not make specific recommendations, we are aware of the following options:
- Fair Price Mobility – 58 West High Street, Forfar
Telephone: 01307 468003
Website: https://www.fairprice-mobility.co.uk/contact
- Allardyce Healthcare – 12 Tom Johnston Road, Dundee
Telephone: 01382 773600
Website: https://www.allardycehealthcare.co.uk/product-category/mobility/
- SES Mobility – 116 High Street Montrose
Telephone: 01674 671818
Website: https://www.sesmobilityangus.co.uk/
We will undertake regular reviews on the availability of wheelchairs in Angus. If you experience any difficulties please contact tay.angushscp@nhs.scot
Wheel Chair Information Pack Leaflets
