Thanks to the generous supporters of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Wheelchair Stations have been installed across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The stations provide a clear, dedicated space for wheelchairs at multiple main entrances. The hospital sites are large and for many patients with mobility difficulties, having a wheelchair available as soon as they arrive can make all the difference.
The Trust have worked with us to help people feel calmer and more comfortable from the moment they arrive by funding new wheelchairs for the stations.
The wheelchairs are secured in a similar way to supermarket trolleys; they can be released using a £1 coin or a trolley token. This system should help make sure chairs are returned to a station afterwards, ready for the next person who needs one. Patient appointment letters and the Trust website have been updated to reflect these changes so that everyone feels prepared before they visit.
If someone arrives without a £1 coin or token, there’s no need to worry as there are volunteers, porters and reception teams who can help release a chair.
By making wheelchairs easy to access at the entrance, we can help reduce stress, support people to get to their appointments on time, and make visits that little bit more comfortable. We’re hopeful this will improve not just patients’ experience[GU2] , but visitors, volunteers and staff too.
Professor Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
“Being able to access a wheelchair when you need one is very important to our patients and visitors when they attend our hospitals. Our new Wheelchair Stations will make that process easier, as there are now dedicated spaces at our main entrances to ensure a wheelchair is always available. We encourage everyone to return their chair to a Wheelchair Station after use so it’s ready for the next person who needs it, and our staff and volunteers will be on hand to help if you have any difficulties. We are hugely grateful to Sheffield Hospitals Charity for granting us the funding for this important project to improve the experience of visiting our hospitals.”
Shasta Ashraf, Director of Grants at Sheffield Hospitals Charity:
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped make this possible and bring this to life. We hope it enhances the hospital experience for patients and their families, making a real difference to the people who need it most.”
The stations can be found at:
Northern General Hospital
Chesterman Main Entrance (Entrance 11)
Huntsman Main Entrance (Entrance 3)
Chesterman–Firth Corridor
Royal Hallamshire Hospital
A Floor Outpatients Entrance (Entrance 2)
B Floor Main Entrance (Entrance 9)
Minor Injuries Entrance (Entrance 12)
Published: Thursday 5th of March 2026