Medequip awarded community equipment service contract by Shropshire Council
Shropshire Council has announced that it has awarded the contract for the provision of community equipment services to Medequip following a competitive tender process.
The contract will start on 1 April 2024 and will run for five years, with options to extend for a further two, plus two years.
The contract aims to provide a more integrated and efficient service for people who need equipment to support their independence and wellbeing.
A wide range of equipment on loan for short periods, such as walking frames, hoists, beds, and cushions, is provided by the new integrated Community Equipment Loan Service to help people with health and social care needs to live independently at home and in the community.
The new contract will deliver an integrated service across the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board (ICB) area, in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and the NHS ICB. This will enable a more streamlined and consistent service for clients and prescribers, as well as achieving economies of scale and shared management costs.
Councillor Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Systems at Telford & Wrekin Council said: “It’s been excellent to be a part of this collaborative process with Shropshire Council and NHS Integrated Care Board seeking to provide a high quality community equipment service for our residents.
“As a new partnership we are excited to have appointed Medequip to deliver this provision. We are so pleased that Medequip have based themselves within Telford, improving our opportunities for collaborative working for a better service.
“We look forward to working with our new partners and Medequip to deliver equipment services that will help people to live happier, healthier and more independent lives in their own homes.”
The contract will also include initiatives to reuse and recycle equipment, reducing waste and environmental impact, and to use technology to improve customer service and data quality.
Neil Thacker, Regional General Manager at Medequip, added: “On behalf of myself and the team at Medequip, we are eager to work closely with our partners, support Prescribers, and enable residents to maintain their independence.
“Medequip is eager to collaborate with community organisations and the Independent Living Centre in Telford to continue to build a supportive environment that aligns with the vision of ‘Shropshire living the best life’.”
Medequip Connect recently built on strong foundations for its holistic model of technology enabled care (TEC) with the appointment of Rupert Lawrence to head up the business.
