Medequip awarded Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside Community Equipment Loan Service contract
Community equipment services provider Medequip has been awarded the contract to deliver the Community Equipment Loan Service (CELS) for Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside (ORST).
The contract has been awarded by a partnership of four local authorities, comprising Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside councils, together with the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Commencing on 1 October 2026, the contract will initially run for three years, with the option to extend for up to a further two years.
The service plays a vital role in supporting adults and children to live independently and safely at home. Working closely with health and social care prescribers across the four boroughs, Medequip will provide the full lifecycle management of community equipment, including procurement, delivery, installation, maintenance, repair, collection, decontamination, refurbishment and recycling.
Community equipment services are a key part of integrated health and social care systems, helping to facilitate timely hospital discharge, support reablement and recovery, prevent avoidable hospital admissions and enable people to remain independent in their own homes and communities for longer.
As part of the mobilisation of the new contract, Medequip will initially operate from the existing service depot in Dukinfield, ensuring continuity of service for residents and prescribing professionals.
Medequip will then relocate to a purpose-built, spacious 32,450 square feet service centre depot within the Hollinwood Junction development. The modern, energy-efficient building has been designed with sustainability in mind and benefits from excellent transport and motorway connections, supporting efficient service delivery across all four boroughs.
The new location will provide enhanced operational capacity and support Medequip’s continued focus on delivering responsive, high-quality services while maximising the collection, refurbishment and reuse of equipment through sustainable circular economy principles.
Paul Norton, Operations Director (North) at Medequip, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by the partnership of Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside councils to deliver this important Community Equipment Loan Service.
“Our team is looking forward to working closely with commissioners, prescribers and health and social care partners across the four boroughs to help residents maintain their independence, safety and wellbeing at home.
“I would like to thank our wider Medequip teams for their expertise and support throughout the mobilisation planning process, as well as recognising the significant contribution of our Business Development team in securing this contract through a highly competitive procurement process.”
Mike Barker, Deputy Chief for Executive Health and Care at Oldham Council, said: “Having the right equipment at the right time can make a real difference, helping people stay safe, independent and comfortable in their own homes.
“We’re delighted to be working with Medequip and our partners to deliver a high-quality service that ensures people across Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside can access the equipment they need, when they need it.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to providing effective, person-centred support that improves outcomes for local people and helps them maintain their independence.”
In July 2026, Medequip announced that it had successfully retained the Birmingham Community Equipment Loan Service contract.
