Medequip has been commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset to provide the newly integrated Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service from 1 August 2022. This will be supported by AJM Healthcare who are a leading provider of NHS wheelchair services throughout the UK and compliment the expertise Medequip bring in the Community Equipment provision.
Our vision is that people should feel safe in their own homes and local communities, so they can live independent lives, reducing the need for health and social care support. To facilitate this the Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service will provide a range of equipment, from simple to complex items on loan for as long as is required by the person using the service. The service includes the delivery and fitting of equipment, wheelchairs and ceiling track hoists, servicing, collection and recycling. We will have a personalised focus by actively engaging with people and listening to their views to shape and enhance their provision to maximise choice and control wherever possible.
Medequip and AJM Healthcare will work closely to ensure they are providing the best service and best value for Somerset’s residents; working together with the council and NHS to improve service delivery and address problems if they occur.
Over the period of the 5 year contract, that will run from August 2022 to July 2027, Medequip expect to introduce new initiatives to evolve the service provision as demands on the service change and emerge across the Health and Social Care sector, particularly in developing technological solutions to mitigate that challenges of service delivery in the rural locations of West Somerset.
Commenting on the contract award, Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care said:
“We’re really thrilled to announce the launch of this new service, which combines two services which previously people had to access separately. The new system will allow people to use one portal to access wheelchairs and also a range of community equipment, saving time, and making it easier for people to access the equipment they need. It will also make it easier for professionals to make referrals.”
Michaela Harris, Medequip’s Regional General Manager for the South West said:
“Medequip is proud to have partnered with AJM Healthcare to provide the new Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service contract in conjunction with Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset.
The service includes the delivery and fitting of equipment, wheelchairs and ceiling track hoists, servicing, collection and recycling. The service will have a personalised focus, actively engaging with people who use the service, listening to their views in order to shape and enhance the service provision.
Medequip and AJM Healthcare bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Somerset region and are pleased to be able to provide a new and improved service to this area. We are excited to welcome all the staff that will continue to support the service on the 1st August as well as some newcomers, and we look forward to making a real difference in how the service operates to really help the people of Somerset.”
Medequip will also support Somerset’s aim to be a carbon neutral county by 2030, as Medequip is committed to using power from sustainable sources across its operations and will procure additional fully electric vehicles to service this contract as part of the company’s commitment to clean air initiatives. Medequip has been adopting new technologies to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions since Autumn of last year, and more than 10% of the national fleet is now 100% electric powered.
For further information, please visit somerset-cews.co.uk