Strengthening NHS wheelchair services: commissioning with confidence (Public Services Ombudsman, 11 November 2026)

Summary

The way that wheelchair services are designed, funded and organised across the NHS is affecting the safety, dignity and independence of people who rely on them. 

This Public Services Ombudsman report shows that complaints about wheelchair services have significantly increased over the last five years. It make recommendations in three areas for a more consistent, national approach to improve the lives of wheelchair users:

• strengthen national oversight, data and quality assurance

• build ICB capability to commission sustainable, person-centred services

• measure services by people’s experiences and outcomes.