Should I just buy a Mac Major?

[everydayaschoolday]

We've been on wheelchair services waiting list since feb. I called yesterday to find out how much longer we need to wait for our referral and was told there are 10 people in front of us in the queue (Jan referrals), so it could be next month. DD2 has CP and at 3YO she is literally bursting out her buggy, making life difficult. She has some walking ability for short distances, but tires quickly. My thoughts are if we're successful at getting provision, then we could ask for a wheelchair for her, and I could buy a Mac Major so we have different options depending on need that day. Is this unnecessary overkill, or has anyone else done similar? Also am I right in the assumption that well only be given one or the other from Wheelchair Services? I have no experience in this area and welcome any advice or info. Cheers guys ;)

I don't know about wheelchair services. Our experience: Dd has asd, mobile but needs buggy. Normal buggy broke as she's too big. I called her nursery in panic.Nursery physio filled in forms. Read them back to me over phone - described need as urgent. 10 days later nhs delivered brand new Mac major at our door plus some paperwork to sign. I was amazed. Dd was 3.5 and over nt pushchair weight limit.

Blimey Firsttimer that was superb service. I'm stuck in a waiting list time warp… :( OK, I'm off to call our physio and seek her advice. I'm concerned that if they supply a Mac Major, then we won't be entitled to a wheelchair - and I don't really know which one best suits DD's needs.

Ask the physio what happens to wheelchair entitlement if you do this. Set out the argument for needing diff types of mobility aids depending on what you are doing. Nursery is SN nursery btw so they knew exactly what to do and they knew dd gets difficult if not taken on walks. I hope something happens soon for you. Its a nightmare not having suitable equip. We had another smaller macclaren travel thing I kept in car, she could tip it over at this point as her legs were so long. I remember the forms mentioned these as unsafe and risky - maybe thats why they were so quick. Good luck

Cheers :)

Email head of wheelchair services with
your child's current weight & height
a photo of her bursting out of it
and recommended max weight limit of her current buggy (tip-it's nearly always 15kg, think it's a UK/EU safety test regulations thing)

Ask for her permission to keep using it, as you've been told there's 10 ahead of you in the queue. You're scared she will get hurt, and you feel uncomfortable knowingly putting her in a buggy she's too big for- so ask for advice what to do.

Does the manager of wheelchair services think the manufacturer is over-cautious and will it be ok to continue as you are for a bit? Cos if so, that's fine with you, so long as she can cover you

Then sit back & wait for the delivery van

I hear what you're saying Meir, but I don't think I could do that.

The 10 in front of me have been waiting just as long and probably have no less a need. I'm not housebound with DD: I have a car and I encourage her short walking. I'm also being exceptionally cautious with her in the buggy (that I suspect she has maxed the weight limit on, given that her feet drag on the floor - I keep having to stop and bring her knees up, to put her feet on the footrest) :( .

I get that all the services are strapped for money and resources, but I think shouting louder just puts others at a disadvantage. I won't be able to get them to resolve their resource problem (incurring a currently 6 month waiting time), so I'm looking for practical ways to improve our situation for ourselves. I'm going to have to buy the Mac Major, aren't I, if the physio can't help (couldn't get hold of her today)?

I appreciate your suggestion though, it's just not my way. You did make me smile, thanks :) (sitting back and waiting for van lol)

You can also tackle the ethics by making a big fuss on behalf of those behind you. And by freely sharing any tactic that works with other nearby parents . Children who urgently need wheelchairs should not be forced to compete for them.

Rationing by waiting list simply doesn't work. Unless it makes some leave the queue without being served. Do a lot of people move out of your area after short stays? Join new wait list for 12months in the next county, another 12months in the next... finally emigrating from frustration.

Of course with elderly people, some will pass on before they finally get a w/c, so making them wait endlessly may save a few quid in adults. Not exactly ethical though.

Hang in there until you speak to physio. You are entitled to help with this, dont let them place the financial burden on you just becuase they are making you wait.