Balance disorders can be life-altering. For patients suffering from conditions such as bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) or uncompensated uncompensated unilateral vestibular loss (UVL), daily activities like walking, shopping, or even standing in a crowd can become daunting. These conditions are even more challenging for patients in the dark. Fortunately, innovative assistive devices such as the BalanceBelt are helping patients regain confidence and independence.
But a common question we hear is: ‘Can an NHS clinician prescribe the BalanceBelt?’
The Short Answer: Yes – and there are various ways to do so.
While the NHS does not yet list BalanceBelt as a standard item available through central procurement, individual NHS Trusts and clinicians can prescribe or acquire the BalanceBelt via a contract or on a case-by-case basis.
Over the past period, we’ve seen increasing interest from NHS clinicians from Trusts such as UCL, Mersey Care and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), including physiotherapists, audiologists, ENT specialists, and neuro-rehab teams, who have recognised the clinical benefits of the BalanceBelt. They have successfully integrated it into care pathways for select patients.
How NHS Clinicians Are Accessing the BalanceBelt
NHS clinicians are currently bringing BalanceBelt to their patients in the following ways.
Trial Periods Through Clinics
NHS vestibular rehabilitation clinics or specialist physiotherapy teams can trial the BalanceBelt with patients. We provide support and guidance during this phase to ensure both clinicians and patients understand how to use the device effectively (Protocol BalanceBelt for Specialists).
After a positive trial proving the effectiveness of the BalanceBelt to the patient, NHS Trusts have several options for purchasing, either via direct procurement or patient funding.
NHS Adoption Pathway
In 2024, BalanceBelt has been included in a HealthTrust Europe (HTE) Framework Agreement, making it easier for NHS Trusts to adopt BalanceBelt as a treatment option. Becoming part of this framework implies that:
Patients may be provided with a new, effective, and definitive treatment,
The Trust obtains a more efficient solution and costs reduction (please contact us for the business case),
Care providers at the Trust may discharge patients and reduce waiting lists.
BalanceBelt has been awarded a three-year contract (with an optional fourth-year extension) with HealthTrust Europe LLP (HTE) to supply the BalanceBelt. All 386 NHS Trusts in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have access to this Framework Agreement for the Supply of Patient Mobility Products and Services and will enjoy many benefits. Contract awards can be carried out via Direct Award, a method used for awarding standard goods and/or services contracts to the Framework.
For more information or to proceed:
- Contact BalanceBelt at info@balancebelt.net or
- Contact the HealthTrust Europe LLP Customer Care team on 0845 887 5000 or via customercare@htepg.com
Individual Patient Purchase via the NHS
Several NHS Trusts have approved individual purchase requests following internal clinical and funding assessments. This usually involves:
- Submitting a New Supplier Request (BalanceBelt is registered with several NHS Trusts)
- Providing clinical justification, often with supporting documentation such as outcome measures or patient progress videos
- Issuing a Purchase Order via the Trust’s finance/procurement team
Patient Self-Purchase (with Clinical Support)
In some cases, patients choose to purchase the BalanceBelt themselves, based on clinician recommendation.
What Are the Benefits for NHS Patients?
Recent case studies from NHS clinics suggest that the BalanceBelt offers:
In fact, one recent case from a UK balance clinic demonstrated marked improvement in a patient with long-standing unilateral vestibular hypofunction who had not progressed through conventional vestibular rehabilitation alone.
For other publications on the effectiveness of the BalanceBelt.
How to Get Started?
If you are a clinician interested in trying the BalanceBelt with a patient, or if you are a patient hoping to explore this option with your care team, we recommend the following steps.
- Visit our website for product details and clinical resources.
- Contact us directly to discuss trial options, pricing, and NHS-specific processes
- Explore our case studies to learn how BalanceBelt is already helping NHS patients
Let’s Work Together!
We’re committed to supporting patients and NHS professionals in improving balance care. If you are interested in arranging a trial, would like to present a case for internal funding, or want more information about BalanceBelt, we are here to help.
Contact us today at info@balancebelt.net or message us on LinkedIn.