AJM Healthcare seeks locations for pop-up clinics to provide more localised care in Hertfordshire
NHS wheelchair services provider AJM Healthcare is seeking additional locations for ‘pop-up’ clinics to provide the Hertfordshire Wheelchair Service having been appointed by Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) from 1 October 2022.
From 1 October, wheelchair services will be provided from two new locations – at Unit 5, Centrus, Mead Lane, Hertford and Unit 5B, Vale Industrial Estate, Tolpits Lane, Watford.
AJM Healthcare are seeking additional locations for satellite clinics offering more local appointments.
Guy Eatherington, Business Development and Customer Relations Director, AJM Healthcare said: “I am delighted to welcome wheelchair users, their families, and carers to the AJM Healthcare NHS wheelchair service from 1 October. We look forward to growing the service user voice in the development of the service in Hertfordshire.”
AJM will provide a full range of services to wheelchair users and their carers, including clinical assessments, specialist seating, wheelchair repairs and maintenance as well as delivery and collection services.
The current locations are fully accessible and full services will run from each site, which includes assessments carried out in high-standard clinic rooms, a repair and maintenance workshop and a customer service point.
The Hertford location also benefits from extra features, including a Changing Places toilet, with a height-adjustable changing bench and ceiling hoist, and electric vehicle charging points.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive Officer of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board said: “We are looking forward to working with AJM Healthcare in their provision of wheelchair services across Hertfordshire.
“We are pleased that AJM have a strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality, customer-focused services and will be working to deliver wider benefits including providing a service with strong green credentials.”
AJM Healthcare was awarded the contract following a rigorous procurement and selection process involving NHS clinicians, managers, and patient representatives.
Kumar Moorthy, a wheelchair service user and Healthwatch representative involved with the procurement process said: “I welcome the fact that wheelchair users and carers have been involved throughout – from making suggestions that helped shape the requirements for the new service to interviewing bidders.
“It should help to make sure that we end up with a service that’s truly focused on meeting the needs whilst at the same time enhancing the experience of customers.”
The service will also provide assessments in a person’s home or in other locations such as special educational needs schools where practicable.
Millbrook Healthcare, the previous service provider, has been working with AJM Healthcare to ensure a seamless handover, including making sure that all patient care information is safely and successfully transferred.
Dr Jane Haplin added, “We are grateful to Millbrook Healthcare for their work and commitment to providing wheelchair related care for the Hertfordshire population and to moving the service forward over recent years.”
The wheelchair service facility run by Millbrook Healthcare in Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City closed after 30 September.
Recently, AJM Healthcare began supporting community equipment provider Medequip to provide a newly integrated Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service, commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset across the county for five years.
