Coming to Clinic

Wheelchair clinic appointments are held at the Wheelchair Service in Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen.  The Service also runs peripheral clinics in Orkney and Shetland according to demand.

 

Prior to your Appointment 

You will be notified of your appointment by letter or telephone. If the date and/or time is not convenient you must contact us and we will rearrange your appointment to a more suitable slot. If you simply do not attend for your appointment you may have a long wait before we can see you. Letters give an estimated length of time for each appointment, please allow for late running clinics.
 
Patients' relatives, carers or therapists are very welcome to attend the clinic as this is often useful when patients find it difficult to communicate, or additional (ie more specific) information is required about certain points or issues.
 

Travelling to Clinic

We are located within the South Block of Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen. The postcode for your Sat Nav is AB15 6XS.
 

Public transport

Regular buses stop near Woodend Hospital. First bus 23 and Stagecoach 14 stops on the Lang Stracht opposite Tesco.  First bus 11 & Stagecoach 4, 5, 6 & 6A stop on Queens Road at the Woodend terminus. Please note that bus services are subject to change, for the latest information on bus services, please visit: First Aberdeen | Stagecoach | Traveline Scotland. 

The nearest train station is Aberdeen which is located around 10 minutes journey from the hospital by taxi. Ask the taxi driver to drop you at the clock tower at Woodend Hospital.

When you arrive at Woodend Hospital enter the South Block under the clock tower. We are located next to the Royal Voluntary Service cafe and Ward 15. Follow signs for the Wheelchair Service.

 

During the Appointment

Depending on the reason for the clinic appointment a number of things can take place.  Generally there will be a discussion about how the patient (and/or others) are managing with the wheelchair, and if there are any issues the clinician will try to develop an in-depth understanding in order to provide the best solution.  The patient's posture and joint range of movement may be assessed either in a sitting or lying position.  The patient's pressure care needs may be assessed and it may be necessary for the clinician to examine their skin for any pressure sores (in every case the patient's dignity will be maintained). The clinician may also assess the patient or carer's ability to propel or control the wheelchair either indoors or outdoors and the method used to transfer the wheelchair in/out of a vehicle. If repair work is required the wheelchair may be put through to the workshop.

Decisions are based upon the patient's clinical need/s, available resources and in some cases national eligibility criteria. The clinician/s will always try to ensure that the patient is satisfied with the decisions made but it must be understood that it will not always be possible to provide everything that the patient (or family/carers etc) would like.

 

Clinic Facilities

The hospital and all clinics are fully wheelchair accessible. There are disabled toilets and changing facilities available. The Wheelchair Service is located next to the Royal Voluntary Service cafeteria/shop which has a range of food, drink and sundry items available to purchase. Coin operated payphones and taxi freephones are located at various points within the hospital. There are a large amount of disabled parking spaces located at all entrances to the hospital. 
 

Home Visits 

If patients are medically unfit to travel to clinic (including by ambulance) they can be assessed at home by a clinician.  However, due to the volume of referrals it may be some time before the visit can take place and will generally be longer than the normal waiting time for a clinic appointment. To request a home visit please telephone the department on (01224) 556840. You may be required to provide proof that the patient requires a home visit by way of letter from a medical professional.

Published: 04/05/2021 10:29