Following our announcement of the contract gain back in March, the Medequip team assumes responsibility for Integrated Community Equipment Loan Services in Sheffield (ICELSS) on behalf of Sheffield CCG and Sheffield City Council.
Although implementation has been slightly delayed due to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we now take up the mantle from the incumbent provider British Red Cross, who have worked closely with our team to ensure a smooth transition of services. Our remit is to supply and maintain the equipment necessary to help people live independently in their own homes for longer.
This contract further extends our proven track record throughout West, North and South Yorkshire, working with North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire CCGs and Kirklees Council. We are also the lead provider for the Rotherham Equipment and Wheelchair Service (REWS) which is operated on behalf of Rotherham CCG and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
The ICELSS and Rotherham Equipment and Wheelchair Service will be run from Medequip’s established depot on Chesterton Road in Rotherham, benefiting from both operational efficiencies and economies of scale.
Medequip already works with prescribers in Sheffield Teaching hospitals, discharging and prescribing into the Rotherham area, so linking the two contracts geographically is expected to result in significant synergies, including a single point of prescription. The existing Sheffield CES team is transferring employment across to Medequip to help with a smooth transition and continued excellence of service, going forward.
Our Sheffield team will be working with commissioners and prescribing teams to ensure that there is also a local solution for assessments, in particular ‘specials’, which are pieces of equipment designed specifically to match an individual’s requirements. The new contract will operate on what is known as the TCES Community platform, enhancing efficiencies and improving services for the people of Sheffield.