Regional Wheelchair Service

The Regional Wheelchair Service works with wheelchair users from across Northern Ireland to determine their needs and prescribe appropriate wheelchair equipment. They will work alongside your Occupational Therapist to provide the service.

Approved Repairers also work as part of this service providing:

• Delivery and demonstration to users of wheelchairs
• Modifications to wheelchairs
• Provision of standard wheelchair accessories
• Wheelchair repair service
• Annual Planned Preventative Maintenance of powered wheelchairs

How to access the service

Before you access this service you will already be working with an Occupational Therapist. They will be responsible for initiating the process to determine what wheelchair equipment is required.

Your Occupational Therapist will submit an electronic referral using the Regional Disablement Services I.T. System (RDSS) to request wheelchair equipment to be supplied, or to request an appointment with a Medical Technical Officer for a wheelchair assessment.

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• Changes to Wheelchair Services in Northern Ireland

  The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that NRS Healthcare, the provider of the Approved Repairer Service for the Regional Wheelchair Service across Northern Ireland, entered liquidation on 31 July 2025. An Official Receiver and Special Managers have been appointed to Transition the Service.

  The Department of Health (DoH) has directed the Business Services Organisation (BSO) to take over the service from 18 September 2025 under a new name:

  Community Wheelchair Service (CWS)

  We want to reassure service users that:

  • Existing staff are being directly employed by BSO, ensuring minimal disruption.
  • The main telephone line remains unchanged: 028 9267 2888
  • New contact email addresses are:

  – Repairs: cws.repairs@hscni.net

  – Modifications: cws.modifications@hscni.net

• Who is currently providing the Wheelchair Service?

  The Community Wheelchair Service (CWS) is now being provided by the Business Services Organisation (BSO) following the liquidation of NRS.

• Will I still get my wheelchair repaired?

  Yes, normal repair services are continuing, albeit we are aware of a backlog in the system and there is a recovery plan in place to address this as quickly as possible.

• Will it still be the same Engineer who always calls with me?

  Yes, the same staff are now employed by BSO and continue to provide the service.

• What do I do if I need a new wheelchair?

  Please contact your Occupational Therapist (OT) as usual.

• What do I do if I need a wheelchair collected?

  Call the Community Wheelchair Service (CWS) using the same number you used for NRS, and they will arrange the collection.

• I was told by my OT that I would get a new wheelchair, when will it be delivered?

  Once your wheelchair has been received and inspected, it will be delivered to you.

• Do I call the same number for the service?

  Yes, the telephone number remains unchanged.

• Who do I call if my wheelchair breaks down?

  Call the Community Wheelchair Service (CWS) on 028 9267 2888.

• Has the ordering process changed for Occupational Therapists (OTs)?

  No, the current ordering system remains unchanged. OTs should continue to use Script/ELMS2 and issue to RDS (RWS) for processing.

• How long will it take for services to return to normal?

  It is anticipated that it will take several months to stabilise the service. Your patience and support during this time are greatly appreciated.

• Will there be further updates?

  Yes, updates will be provided periodically to keep you informed of progress. Information can also be found on the Business Service Organisation website.