Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Study scope
The research examined 43,790 registered wheelchair users in Wales, using data collected in December 2025 and grouped by Lower Super Output Area. It assessed the geographic distribution of users in relation to access to specialist services. Provision is currently centralised through four specialist centres, according to the source.
User distribution
The analysis identified statistically significant clustering among wheelchair users across all age groups. People aged over 65 represented the largest demographic, accounting for 49.1% of registered users. Researchers examined spatial patterns with measures including Global Moran’s I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association.
Travel-time differences
The study reported median road-network travel times below 30 minutes for high-demand clusters in urban South and North-East Wales. In rural Mid- and West-Wales, users faced greater access burdens. Clusters in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys had median travel times approaching or exceeding 60 minutes despite comparable local demand intensities.
Proposed response
The conclusions describe a rural penalty linked to the current centralised service model. The study recommends investigating additional satellite units in Mid- and West-Wales to improve access to posture and mobility services or community care. It says the number and locations of possible sites require formal investigation.
