Wheelchair Service Access Report 2025

This report brings together the experiences of 20 individuals and families who shared their personal journeys regarding the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust wheelchair service. While this may seem a small number in percentage terms, we believe every experience shared is important, and every voice has value — no matter how few in number.

Many of those who spoke to us highlighted issues such as long waits, communication challenges, and concerns around suitability of equipment. Their feedback also included thoughtful suggestions and positive examples of where services and individual staff had made a real difference.

Our aim in publishing this report is to offer meaningful insight that can support and inform continued improvements. We welcome the Trust’s response and their commitment to ongoing transformation, and we hope this report helps to complement those efforts in a constructive way.

We’re grateful to all the individuals and organisations who supported this work, and we look forward to continued collaboration to ensure wheelchair users in Darlington receive the support and care they need.