Disabled individuals in England are facing waits of up to two years for wheelchairs, a situation attributed to delays involving both NHS bodies and the private firms that manufacture the equipment. This significant backlog has been highlighted in a report by Paula Sussex, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman for England. She stated that these hold-ups are having profound consequences, severely limiting the ability of wheelchair users to lead independent lives.
The investigation was launched after a sharp rise in complaints to the ombudsman. The number of cases rose from eight in the 2020 to 2021 period to 110 in the 2025 to 2026 period. Four out of every five complaints relate to the small number of private firms that supply wheelchairs to at least half of all children and adults in England who require the devices.
Most of the issues involve patients waiting longer than the supposed 18-week maximum to receive either the device itself or necessary parts. Sussex noted that for those who rely on such equipment, delays, unsuitable items, or poor repairs can impact every aspect of daily life. She explained that the consequences range from physical pain and emotional distress to a reduced ability to live full lives.
One poignant example involves Elliot Cruz Gardiyanoglu, who is now six years old. When he was three, he faced a seven-month wait for his wheelchair. This delay meant he could not start nursery at the same time as his twin brother. His mother, Jania Cruz, said they were never informed of such a long wait. If they had known, they would have explored other options to ensure Elliot did not miss out on education and specialist therapy. She described how difficult it was for him to see his brother going to school while he was unable to attend.
Rachel Perrin, director of the charity Newlife, emphasized that Elliot’s experience illustrates how the wrong wheelchair, or no wheelchair at all, can be dangerous. It keeps children and families trapped at home, preventing them from attending school and participating in activities with siblings and friends.
Graham Woolner, a 68-year-old resident of Bishop’s Stortford with spinal muscular atrophy, has relied on a wheelchair for 15 years. He was supposed to receive a new device by August 2023, but it did not arrive until September 2024. Furthermore, the wheelchair failed to work properly upon arrival. It was not until October 2025, 26 months past the 18-week deadline, that he received a unit in full working order.
Woolner recounted that after a year of waiting, the wheelchair he was given broke on the first day, with the batteries dying after just 100 yards. The battery issue was never resolved, meaning he could not go anywhere with certainty. He stated that the wheelchair is effectively his legs, and the failures meant he often did not go out without his son in case he needed to be pushed home.
Nick Goldup, chief executive of the Wheelchair Alliance, said the report shone a light on the systemic problems wheelchair users face. He added that getting provision right means giving people the freedom to live their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The report highlights a regulatory gap in services such as assessment, fitting, and repair. While the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency oversees the equipment, the Care Quality Commission does not cover the services because they are not supervised by a health professional. Integrated care boards, which commission these services, are said to have unreliable information on local needs and operate in an uncompetitive market dominated by a few private providers.
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged that long waits are unacceptable and deny people the independence they deserve. The organization stated that its wheelchair quality framework sets an expectation that 92% of people receive equipment within 18 weeks. It requires commissioners to hold regular performance meetings with providers to identify and tackle delays.
