If you use a wheelchair provided by the NHS, then we are interested in your views.
 
By joining the Shropshire Wheelchair Users' Group (SWUG), you can have the chance to air your opinions on all aspects of using a wheelchair to NHS rofessionals and Borough Councils in order to influence change. Since we formed in 1992, we have been involved in:
Wheelchair retrieval
When wheelchairs have been loaned out and not returned when no longer needed, then SWUG promoted a poster campaign in hospital and doctors' sureries to get some of them back for refurbishment.
Priority Response

If you are a permanent wheelchair user and have need for emergency repairs to your equipment, then you can have your situation assessed in around 4 hours. Again SWUG have been involved in drawing up a criteria to ensure that those who need most help, get it!

Wheelchair Weighing Facility
If you really want to know your accurate weight, come in your wheelchair to the Disability Resource Centre in Lancaster Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury on the first Thursday of every month between 10am and 2pm No appointment required.
Voucher Scheme
SWUG have assisted in establishing eligibility criteria for the issue of wheelchair vouchers to give you a wider choice of wheelchairs. details are available from the service. NB: The Voucher Scheme in no way affects your rights to a standard loan wheelchair from the NHS
Lightweight Wheelchairs for Carers
If you care for someone in a wheelchair, you may feel frail yourself and wish that there was a lighter wheelchair available. Well there is! Alas they are not plentiful, but provided that you can meet the criteria, you could be loaned a suitable chair. SWUG have campaigned for years to get this option implemented.
Wheelchair Repairs
If you use an NHS chair, then it might need repairs at some time. The repair is carried out by an approved repairer. SWUG have been a watchdog that tries to monitor and improve the system for the benefit of the wheelchair user.
Who can help?

SWUG is open to wheelchair users and/or carers. Membership is free and travelling expenses will be paid on the day to those attending SWUG meetings.

Better facilities for the disabled at NHS outlets
When you go to a hospital in the county, do you always find that there are adequate facilities for the disabled? Are there enough parking spaces? Are there enough Wheelchair accessible toilets? These and other issues have been raised by SWUG and in turn dealt with by the relevant department in the NHS.
Improved access in Shropshire
SWUG have taken up various issues on behalf of wheelchair users in the county including car parking in both Shrewsbury and Telford Centre, Park-and-Ride schemes, Orange/blue badges etc. We have links with the Borough and County Access Groups and are willing to raise any issue which might affect a user or carer.
How can I Help?
Come along to one of our group meetings and discuss the issues which affect wheelchair users.
SWUG Meetings

We meet at the Disability Resource Centre on the first Thursday of the month,(except August) from 12:30pm. All wheelchair users/parents/carers of all ages are welcome. Special interest meetings can be arranged as required.

"Your Input helps our Output!"
Shropshire Wheelchair Appeal Panel
A panel to arbitrate where current criteria and availability are in question.