A £9.1m centre for the disabled will need major changes -- because it is not wheelchair-friendly.

Patients call the purpose-built Oxford Centre for Enablement at the Nuffield Orthapaedic Centre in Headington a 'Disablement Centre' because it makes them feel more handicapped.

Chief executive Ed Macalister-Smith, in a wheelchair to see the problems himself, with centre users Elaine Madley and Val Bower

NOC chief executive Ed Macalister-Smith got in a wheelchair to experience the problems for himself and admitted managers were not happy with the standard of the centre.

The unit teaches people how to best cope with their disabilities by helping them practise day-to-day tasks and offers physiotherapy.

Since it opened in September last year, the OCE has had a catalogue of wheelchair-unfriendly flaws, including high thresholds at entrances, making it impossible for patients to get inside, and heavy lavatory doors which they cannot open.

Mr Macalister-Smith said mana- gers were working hard to address the problems.

He said: "Overall, it's an excellent building with excellent facilities and space, bringing a lot of services under the same roof for the first time.

"But we have had more than the normal number of teething problems and have been disappointed with that.

"Some of the original design specifications by users and staff, like the kitchen, prove unworkable. We are having to redesign that.

"Many issues are still subject to contractual processes between us and the builder."

Some problems have been rectified, but patients are irritated that the alterations are taking so long.

Patient Valerie Clear, who has multiple sclerosis, said there was a list of problems "as long as your arm".

Mrs Clear, of Abingdon, said: "We all thought moving to this place would be great, but it's turned out to be a nightmare."

The OCE was built by Oxford builders Bluestone plc.

No-one from the company was available for comment.