Welcome to our Northampton & Kettering wheelchair and orthotic NHS Clinic 

Blatchford is a multi-award winning manufacturer of some of the world’s most advanced bespoke seating solutions, prosthetic technology and orthotic devices.

Blatchford has been the Orthotic Service Provider for both NHS Northamptonshire CCG (previously Nene and Corby CCG) since 2010 and was the first fully managed Orthotic Contract in the UK. Our Wheelchair service is an integrated clinical and repair service. The contract is measured by a set of KPI's and an in-depth Quality Schedule which are tracked by the CCG for assurance. Should any issues arise robust action is taken, in addition, regular meetings are held with the CCG to discuss the contract in detail.

Clinical service: This includes wheelchair and special seating assessments for children and adults with mobility and postural needs. We also provide pressure care cushions and accessories for wheelchairs and buggies.
We have a team of specialist clinicians including Occupational Therapists, rehabilitation engineer technicians and field service engineers along with a team of administrators who are dedicated and committed to delivering a high quality and efficient service. Clinical governance is an integral part of our care and includes on-going service review and improvements coupled with audit research and training.

Customised seating: The special seating clinics and customised seating are also provided by Blatchford Ltd who have extensive knowledge providing clinical services across the UK and special seating clinics in over 30 wheelchair services. Our customised seating is manufactured in our factory in Sheffield, England.

Repair service: Blatchford provide a full & comprehensive free repair service, should your NHS wheelchair develop a fault. Skilled Field Service Engineers out on the roads each day who carry large stocks of wheelchair parts and spares to achieve a very high percentage of first-visit-fixes. An emergency out of hours service is available please telephone 01536 511 025 for details.

Clinical Services offered

The service offers its registered patients the benefits of appointments at its two main clinics plus a number of satellite locations throughout the county therefore offering more flexibility when booking appointments and offering accessibility in relation to travel arrangements too. Our administrative processes have been overhauled to ensure that all new patient referrals are appointed within 4 weeks of receipt. Patients are contacted directly to arrange an appointment.

We visit the wards at both major hospital sites across the County (NGH/KGH) Monday to Friday. Stroke /Rehabilitation Wards at Isebrook, Daventry and Corby Hospitals are also attended on a as required basis.

Our MDT working is of high importance and we hold joint clinics at our centres with paediatric physiotherapists, work alongside consultants at orthopaedic outpatient clinics at both NGH and KGH weekly and attend specialist schools within the County too.

Orthotic Clinics are also held at the following locations:

• Daventry (Danetre Hospital)
• Irthlingborough (Nene Park)
• Fairfields School
• Greenfields School
• Corby
• Brackley
• Wellingborough (Isebrook Hospital)

Assessments take place in a variety of locations including clinical facilities at Kettering or Northampton and, where appropriate home, day centre, school and E consultations.

E consultations: You will be sent a text to your mobile phone prior to your appointment inviting you to join your clinician on line. E consultations enable patients to be assessed at a time that is convenient for you in the comfort of your home. Early morning and evening appointments can be accommodated at your request.

Referral Process

Wheelchair & Seating Referrals

From Monday 22nd April 2023 NEW patients will be able to self-refer for a manual (non-powered) wheelchair without the need to be referred by a GP to our service.

Please note this is for patients registered with Northamptonshire GP’s ONLY.

For guidance as to whether you are eligible for an NHS wheelchair, please click on the link below.

Are you eligible for a NHS wheelchair?

If you would like to refer yourself for a wheelchair, please click on the button below.

Wheelchair Self-Referral

Healthcare professionals referring for manual or powered wheelchairs

Any qualified healthcare professional can refer to the service, e.g. GP, district nurse, physiotherapist and occupational therapist. All referrals are reviewed by our clinical team and prioritised. Once your referral has been reviewed you may be supplied di-rectly with your equipment, or you may be invited to an assessment in any of the lo-cations above.

If you are a healthcare professional, you can refer direct to our service utilising the referral forms below. Please contact the centre for your password code.

Wheelchair Referral Form (HCP)

Wheelchair Referral Form (GP)

Orthotic Referrals

The Orthotic service can only be accessed via referral from either your GP, Consultant or other Allied Health Professional (Physiotherapy, Nursing, Podiatry etc).

Unfortunately you are unable to self-refer to this service unless you are an existing patient and have been seen within the last 24 months.

Specialist Wig Service (Telford Suite) 

Available at both main sites for patients with Alopecia Totalis/Areata or undergoing Chemotherapy treatment. 

Service users undergoing cancer treatment can be referred to Look Good Feel Better for virtual confidence boosting workshops on skin, nail and hair care https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/.  

Look out for partnership working news coming soon with the opening of  The Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Kettering General Hospital.