We're serious about data security as Silver Fern Therapy.  To help us maintain our high standards, we've started using online forms to collect data from our referrers and patients.  To date, we have the following forms set up for online completion:  

- Referral information including patient details

- Consent for treatment and data processing

- Consent for photography

- Consent for sharing patient records

- COVID-19 home visit risk assessment

- Telehealth consent form

If you're asked to complete one of these forms, you'll receive a link that looks like this one: https://mysilverferntherapy.co.uk/3ccef. This one happens to be to our privacy policy (if you're interested).  

The forms are integrated into our online patient management software system - Power Diary.  This means that once the form is completed, the data is automatically saved into the individual patient record, with no additional handling.  This takes away a job for us, but more importantly keeps that data as secure as possible.  The data entered into the forms is secured using 256bit SSL technology.  

If you'd like to know more about the security features that Power Diary uses, have a read of their website here:  https://www.powerdiary.com/uk/security. 

We're pleased to be working with Somerset Mobility & Stairlifts, providing their clinical wheelchair and seating assessments.  See the details here about what we can provide alongside their service.

Very pleased to be featured in this article in THIIS Magazine.  At the start of the first lockdown, I had a chat with Stuart Barrow from Promoting Independence who writes a regular column.  

You can see the full article here:  https://thiis.co.uk/the-ots-perspective-how-a-specialist-occupational-therapist-can-help-you-with-wheelchair-assessments/

The chair is a great success for which a very big thank you to you. The carers are managing to sit him correctly and several people have commented on his posture being so much better. I've sent a letter today to TPG thanking them for introducing us to you and to emphasise what a good job you did, so hopefully you'll get more referrals. Thank you again for everything. We'll be in touch if there are any future issues. God bless you, JG

Wheelchair servicing is the process of keeping your wheelchair functioning properly. Sometimes called wheelchair maintenance, this process may involve cleaning and/or repairs. Wheelchair servicing may be included in after-sales support if you purchased your wheelchair privately, and is always available for NHS wheelchairs. Read on to learn more about wheelchair servicing and what options may be available to you.

What wheelchair servicing will I receive for my wheelchair?

NHS

• Equipment from the NHS is maintained and repaired at no cost to the user. If the user changes in any way where different equipment may be required, they can be re-assessed.

Privately

• Every wheelchair will come with a manufacturer's warranty. The length of this warranty period will between manufacturers and even between different parts of one wheelchair. Explanation of the warranty periods should form part of the buying process. The manufacturer's warranty covers parts but does not cover the time taken by the retailer to replace the parts. Ensure the sales agreement stipulates who is responsible for the cost of the time to fit parts covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
• There are also service packages available from most retailers. These are agreements to replace, repair or fix problems with the wheelchair and can include accidental damage. They are normally underwritten by an insurance company. 
• Breakdown insurance cover is also available. This can also include public liability insurance, which provides cover for accidental damage to someone or something else.

How long should a wheelchair last with wheelchair servicing?”

The frequency and quality of your wheelchair servicing may impact how long your wheelchair lasts. Properly maintained wheelchairs should last longer than a wheelchair that is misused or poorly maintained. This varies a lot and depends entirely on how the wheelchair is used and in what conditions. Expect to use the wheelchair for three to five years before it needs replacing, but it may last a lot longer if it is not often used or used well within its physical limits. The frequency and quality of your wheelchair servicing may impact how long your wheelchair lasts. Properly maintained wheelchairs should last longer than a wheelchair that is misused or poorly maintained.

How long does it take to get a wheelchair?

• Very basic wheelchairs will be available for immediate purchase from a retailer, or immediate issue from an NHS wheelchair service. More complex wheelchairs will take much longer and require several appointments before an order is made.  For complex equipment, it is essential to trial equipment prior to purchase to ensure it works as expected and meets the requirements of the user.  There can sometimes be a delay of several weeks waiting for demonstration equipment to be delivered from a manufacturer.
• Once a wheelchair is ordered it can take up to 12 weeks for it to be delivered. This depends greatly on the manufacturer and the complexity of the equipment being ordered. Some equipment can be delivered in a few days.

Wheelchair services from Silver Fern Therapy

If you have had your wheelchair serviced and it is still not functioning the way you would like, then wheelchair servicing may not be the issue. At this point, you might want to consider a new wheelchair prescription. Contact Silver Fern Therapy to discuss your options.