Community rehabilitation unit

If you are finding it difficult to walk and feel that you need a walking stick or frame, Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare have a Community Rehabilitation Unit who will be able to help you.

The unit can visit you to carry out an assessment to see which walking aid would suit you and also show you how to use the equipment safely. A wheelchair service is also provided for people with a permanent condition affecting their mobility or those who need a wheelchair on a short term loan.

Please contact your GP, therapist or nursing team and ask them to make a referral to this service.

From 1 July 2010 all referrals to the Community Rehabilitation Unit should be made through the Single Point of Access service on: 020 8714 4190.

Community physiotherapy service

If you have difficulty walking or with your mobility help is available.

You can contact your community physiotherapy service for an assessment of your needs on 020 8321 6482.

A physiotherapist will then visit you and decide what help is required. They are also be able to supply specialist walking equipment such as frames or crutches, but do not provide walking sticks.

Wheelchairs

If you are leaving hospital and need a wheelchair, your hospital occupational therapist can order it for you. This may be a permanent loan from the health service in some cases.

If your occupational therapist is visiting you and assesses that you need a wheelchair they can arrange this for you too.

Please note: the council are unable to supply wheelchairs.

Other useful contacts

The British Red Cross Society may also be able to provide wheelchairs and other equipment for short term use.

British Red Cross
London Office
Tel: 020 8944 0246
Email: london_enquiries@redcross.org.uk

Richmond Rehabilitation Unit
Tel: 020 8614 7350.

Hounslow Wheelchair Service
Tel: 020 8630 3994 / 1277