TEC in Essex set to help meet users’ needs and promote innovation when commissioning

Millbrook Healthcare has been announced as one of two successful bidders that will deliver technology-enabled care (TEC) services throughout Essex to support independent living.

Following a comprehensive tender process, Millbrook Healthcare will partner with Provide CIC and work alongside Essex Fire & Rescue and Uttlesford District Council to provide a managed care technology service for Essex County Council.

This includes the identification, deployment, installation, maintenance, decommissioning and removal of technology to meet service users’ care needs as well as supporting Essex County Council staff to develop a more innovative and technological mindset when commissioning care.

Care technology is an umbrella term that incorporates assistive technology to support adults in their own homes, Millbrook Healthcare says. Devices can include:

• Telecare – devices in the home which monitor the resident’s safety and well-being, including personal sensors, wearable devices, door entry systems and other environmental sensors.
• Assistive technology – a wide range of solutions that allow people with impaired mobility, disabilities (physical or learning), and sensory impairments to live as independently as possible on a daily basis. This might include voice-activated personal assistants such as Alexa or Google home, communication devices, and technology to help with day-to-day activities such as switching on lights or cooking.
• Remote monitoring and virtual solutions – for social interaction and to connect with professionals virtually (e.g., virtual calls through tablets or screens).
• Apps for mobile devices – that promote independence, health and well-being may also be provided to target particular needs.

Lee Davies, Commercial Director for Millbrook Healthcare, commented: “We are delighted to work with Essex County Council and Provide CIC in the provision of technology services. This working partnership will deliver huge value to the county and the community it serves and is completely aligned to Millbrook Healthcare’s commitment to develop technology-based solutions that enable and support independent living.”

Provide CIC will deliver, in partnership with Millbrook Healthcare, a countywide monitoring and response service for Essex County Council. The organisation will monitor, triage and respond to residents’ calls and alerts, received by the response centre from the adults’ care technology.

As part of the procurement process, Millbrook Healthcare has committed to providing a significant amount of social value as part of the delivery of these contracts, with a focus on maintaining and developing employment opportunities in Essex.

The framework has been designed to support collaboration across health and social care and allows the Clinical Commissioning Groups in Essex to access the contract.

The new contracts are valued at £8.9 million over three years and came into place on 15th March 2021. The initial combined call-off contracts are valued at £8.9 million over three years.

Millbrook Healthcare, along with Ross Care, Ultimate Healthcare and Consolor, forms part of the Millbrook Industries Group. The company specialises in the provision of community equipment, wheelchairs, assistive technology and home improvement agency services to the NHS and local authorities.