The teams managed to streamline the process further by assessing patients before they attend, using their referral form to ensure there is suitable equipment on site so that they can leave their first appointment with a suitable wheelchair.
Follow-up appointments to check how the child is getting on with their wheelchair and any adjustments needed take place either at school (if they attend a special school) or at the family’s home. Additional clinics for the schools are added if required depending on the waiting list.
Paediatric physiotherapist Julian Brown said: “Because of the rate at which children grow and develop, they can need regular adjustments to their chair.
“My role includes checking that the child’s postural and physical needs are met with their equipment.
“By seeing them in different environments we can get a better idea of the challenges they face and if their equipment is meeting their needs in all these different places.
“Being in school works well - it’s less disruptive for the children and their families. It also allows us to work closely with the school staff, who see the children every day, to ensure we get the full picture of the child’s needs.”
Lead occupational therapist Janet Mealey said: “This improvement to the service wouldn’t have been possible without our administration team – they co-ordinate the clinics, order the equipment in a timely way, send reminders to parents and update clinic lists when children are off sick. Having this dedicated resource makes our job possible.”
Leo spent two months recovering in hospital before returning home, and a few months later the family had some unexpected but exciting news.
“I found out I was pregnant again! It was a surprise, and a very busy time for us, but we were excited that Leo would have a little brother or sister.”
Nine months later, Bobby arrived - seemingly healthy. However from quite early on Amy and her husband Robert noticed Bobby wasn’t moving his legs. After further investigations in hospital, it was revealed that Bobby had permanent damage to his spine, which would prevent him from walking.
As the boys have grown and become more mobile, the family have regularly accessed the wheelchair and physio services to help meet the boys’ ongoing, different needs.
Amy said: “From a very young age Bobby was very active. He has a strong upper body so was able to use a low-level self-propelling wheelchair before he’d even turned two.
Amy said: “Once he was ready for the next wheelchair it was difficult to find him one small enough as he was still quite young. Luckily the team managed to source a chair from America, and were able to adjust it to suit him.
“His chair is very lightweight so he can manoeuvre himself around easily – he’s learned some great tricks including wheelies and bouncing, which he enjoys showing off to his nursery friends!”
Leo, who attends Wilson Stuart School in Erdington, has recently been assessed for an electric wheelchair.
Amy said: “We can’t wait for Leo’s new chair to arrive!
