Disabled Living Centre
At the DLC you can see and try out equipment and explore other solutions. The Centre provides free information and advice to people in person, by telephone, letter or email.
There is a large range of display equipment on loan from companies which includes: Chairs; Stairlifts; Kitchen and bathroom equipment; Manual wheelchairs; Powered wheelchairs and Scooters; Walking equipment and Hoists.
These can be demonstrated and information provided to an individual considering the needs of the individual and the type of equipment and the requirements of both.
What We Do
At the DLC you can see and try out equipment and explore other solutions. The Centre provides free information to people in person, by telephone, letter or email.
The Occupational Therapist or the Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner at the Disabled Living Centre can give advice to people who need help with daily living activities. The staff are able to advise and demonstrate a wide range of equipment and where possible equipment can be tried. Professional staff (for example: Health and Social Care staff) are welcome to make an appointment to bring an individual they are working with to try equipment, this can help to reduce waiting times significantly.
There is a large range of display equipment on loan from companies which includes:
- Chairs
- Stairlifts
- Kitchen and bathroom equipment
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Powered wheelchairs and Scooters
- Walking equipment
- Transfer equipment
- Washing and drying toilets
More Information
The Lothian Disabled Living Centre is situated within the SMART Centre in the Astley Ainslie Hospital. The Centre is open , 8.30-4.30pm Monday to Thursday and closed on NHS Scotland public holidays. It is essential to make an appointment before visiting.
Gallery
Measuring for a chair and identifying what an individual needs to sit comfortably
Checking an individual’s eyesight before providing advice and information on powered wheelchairs and scooters for private purchase
Gaining information and trying products to enable an informed decision with kitchen equipment
How to Refer
There is no need to be referred; anyone wishing information can contact the Centre directly on 0131 537 9190 but visits are strictly by appointment only. For those wishing to visit the centre, DLC staff will ask them some questions prior to the visit, related to their difficulties/health to help guide the advice provided and to ensure there is appropriate equipment available.
If professionals wish to refer to the service the referral form should be used.
FAQs
How do I contact the DLC?
Either by telephone; 0131 537 9190 or email lothian.dlc@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk. If staff are not available to take your telephone call please leave a message and we will return your call. Sometimes this can take two days for us to return your call but usually it is the same day.
Can I just “turn up” to the DLC?
Please don’t turn up as we are unable to accommodate you. Please call the DLC to make an appointment that is mutually convenient.
Can I buy a product at the DLC?
No, all the items are on display so that they can be trialed and we can provide you with information and advice. Staff will sign post you to local suppliers.
I was issued with some equipment from the local authority, where do I return this?
If you have any equipment you need to return to the Community Equipment Loan Service (CELS) email CELS@edinburgh.gov.uk.
You must include:
- the name and address of the person the equipment was issued to
- what items you need to return
- a contact telephone number.
The CELS will then contact you to make arrangements. You can also call the CELS on 0131 529 6300.
Read our general FAQsContact
Lothian Disabled Living Centre
SMART Centre
Astley Ainslie Hospital
Grange Loan
Edinburgh
Lothian
EH9 2HL
Telephone – 0131 537 9190
Email – Lothian.dlc@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk