Celebrating the creativity of occupational therapists working in the field of community equipment services, Medequip is delighted to announce sponsorship for a new Award to be given this year by the RCOT (Royal College of Occupational Therapists). This award forms part of RCOT’s Annual Awards, to support funding for learning, development and research activities.
Fielding a national clinical team of occupational therapists (OTs), Medequip knows that this is the profession with the most input around community equipment. Innovation, coproduction and partnership working are the way forward, and the company is already helping users of equipment to have a voice through the emerging ‘Equipment Matters Group’.
With this new award, Medequip is extending an opportunity for prescribers to examine what new outcomes they can find, and to share best practice in the world of occupational therapy.
The Medequip Innovation Award for Community Equipment will provide support of up to £1,500 towards an innovative or developmental project, focused on the provision of community equipment. The project must relate to one or more of a number of different criteria, including personalisation, choice, sustainability, or successful outcomes.
This award is available to qualified OTs who are professional members of RCOT. The entry can be either an individual or group initiative, which is designed to contribute to continuing professional development and enhance future practice. The subject matter is open and flexible. As a guideline, it could relate to use of technology in community equipment, recycling initiatives and looking at outcomes through equipment trialling or innovations.
‘At Medequip, we know there are some amazing and highly creative occupational therapists working in community equipment’ stated Fiona Wasdell-Bowyer, Head of Clinical Services and Safeguarding Lead for the company. ‘Through this award, Medequip wants to open up an exciting opportunity for them to follow their passion and commitment to deliver a project which could make a real contribution in our field.’
The winner will also have support from Medequip and the company’s clinical team to help with introductions to manufacturers, Equipment Matters groups, networks and products.
Medequip will play an active role in assessing candidates for the award and is hoping to see a broad spectrum of applications from individuals and groups. The RCOT Awards 2025 opened on 1 July 2025 for applications, and the closing date is 1 September 2025.
RCOT Annual Awards for learning, development and research | RCOT