NHSJobs.com

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Information management

• In the absence of the Wheelchair Repair Lead, analyse and interpret wheelchair prescriptions to decide whether a wheelchair in stock could be refurbished cost-effectively and in a timely manner to meet 18 week RTT targets, requesting new wheelchairs where this is unlikely to be the case.
• Complete asset disposal forms for wheelchairs disposed of, listing the reason for disposal.
• Identify appropriate wheelchairs from stock and set up according to clinician request.
• Interpret basic and complex wheelchair prescription forms and set wheelchair up to required specification.
• Liaise with Stores Coordinator to order required parts for wheelchairs requiring refurbishment or repair, in a timely manner.

Knowledge

• To provide technical information on the safe use of equipment to patients and carers, raising any safety/suitability concerns with the use of equipment to Wheelchair Assessment Centre.
• Ensure all electrical wheelchairs, chargers and accessories are tested in line with manufacturer instructions.
• Undertake fault-finding and programming of electric/electronic components, circuits and electromechanical systems including wheelchair remotes and modules. Programme wheelchairs for handover according to prescription/clinical guidance.
• Keep up to date with industry standards and undertake any required technical training suggested by Wheelchair Repair Lead/Clinical team.
• Act in accordance with COSHH and PPE regulations.

Physical skills

• Able to use a wide range of tools/electrical and mechanical equipment to repair and maintain complex and non-complex wheelchairs and accessories.
• Support clinical service by recommending technical solutions to repair issues including welding, respraying using spray booth and manufacturing bespoke parts for wheelchairs (e.g. arm raisers, foot boards), supported by Wheelchair Repair Lead if needed.
• Utilising lifting equipment (e.g. pneumatic ramp) to complete repairs on ‘heavy’ powered wheelchairs which cannot be completed by Field Engineers outside of the workshop.

 Operational Delivery

• To provide technical advice to admin team to troubleshoot wheelchair faults, saving the need for an Engineer visit.
• When disposing of wheelchairs, identify any reusable parts, refurbishing them to the required standard.
• Refurbishment of wheelchairs and associated mechanical and electrical parts to ‘as new’ standard.
• Request supplies, parts and accessories in preparation for refurbishment, repairs and maintenance.
• Liaise with suppliers/technical departments to resolve technical issues relating to wheelchairs and associated equipment.

 Risk and Governance

• Liaise with clinical and administrative colleagues to report technical/safety issues relating to wheelchairs and equipment or to discuss prescriptions as necessary.
• Escalate any patient safety issues/incidents to Wheelchair Repair Lead.
• Conduct electrical safety testing of wheelchair chargers.

Patient contact 

• When covering for Field Engineers, Wheelchair Engineers will be required to carry out a daily round of patient visits, repairing, servicing and maintaining wheelchairs in the patient’s residence, clinical setting etc.
• Attend emergency repairs during the working day when requested by Wheelchair Repair Lead.
• Be aware of specialist needs of patients, both mental and physical, and maintain a professional customer service attitude when dealing with patients and their families/representatives.
• During ‘pit stop’ repairs at base, discuss with patients/representatives repair and maintenance issues, escalating any clinical issues to the clinical service where required.
• Handover of stock basic wheelchairs to patients at Red House, informing them of its use and any safety information as required.