October 26, 2026
A service user with a learning disability and complex postural needs from Portrush is experiencing a significantly improved quality of life after occupational therapy teams from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust worked together to prescribe a bespoke moulded wheelchair.
Elizabeth has been a resident at Fairways Duncreggan Residential Home in Portrush for almost 35 years. In recent years, she was experiencing difficulties with her seating arrangement, which affected her posture, comfort and ability to take part in everyday activities.
Caoimhe Kirkpatrick and Samantha Boyle, Learning Disability Occupational Therapists with the Trust, identified these concerns during an assessment and recognised that Elizabeth’s seating was no longer meeting her needs.
“At our initial assessment, we looked at what option would best accommodate Elizabeth’s needs. It was decided that a wheelchair would give her greater comfort and support, while also helping her get out and about more and participate in social activities in the home,” said Samantha.
Following the assessment, a referral was made to the Trust’s Wheelchair Services Occupational Therapy team. Working together, the teams prescribed a bespoke moulded wheelchair designed to improve Elizabeth’s support, comfort and positioning.
The new wheelchair was provided just eight weeks after the initial assessment, highlighting the effective partnership between the two services.
“For Elizabeth to now have this bespoke moulded wheelchair, and the fact it only took eight weeks shows how effective the work between learning disability OT and wheelchair services was,” said Caoimhe.
The impact has been felt by staff at Duncreggan, who have noticed a significant improvement in Elizabeth’s mood and wellbeing.
Sonia Bradley, manager at Duncreggan, said: “Elizabeth’s new bespoke moulded wheelchair has made a massive difference.
“Her mood has changed dramatically for the better. She is smiling, laughing and is much happier every day.”
For Samantha and Caoimhe, seeing the outcome for Elizabeth has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the intervention:
“You can’t help but smile when you see Elizabeth in her new chair,” said Caoimhe.
“Seeing her giggle, take part in activities within the home and enjoy getting out and about is incredibly rewarding,” added Samantha.
Elizabeth’s story coincides with World Occupational Therapy Day on 27 October and highlights the positive impact that occupational therapy teams can have for patients and service users.
The bespoke wheelchair has improved her comfort, reduced distress and enabled her to engage more at Duncreggan. For the staff who care for Elizabeth, seeing those changes in her wellbeing has been the true measure of success.