CES provider to evolve service provision through outsourced contract over five years

Community equipment service (CES) provider Medequip has been commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset to provide the newly integrated Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service across the county for five years.

Medequip uses a personalised focus by actively engaging with people and listening to their views to enhance its provision to maximise choice and control wherever possible.

Over the period of the contract, which will run from August 2022 to July 2027, Medequip expects to introduce new initiatives to evolve the service provision as demands on the service change and emerge across the health and social care sector. The CES provider particularly anticipates developing technological solutions to mitigate the challenge of service delivery in the rural locations of West Somerset.

Medequip aims to help people to feel safe in their own homes and local communities so that they can live independent lives while reducing the need for health and social care support through the Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service, providing a range of equipment.

The service will include simple to complex items on loan for as long as is required by the person using the service, which includes the delivery and fitting of equipment, wheelchairs and ceiling track hoists, servicing, collection and recycling.

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.”

Recently, Medequip was commissioned by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucester Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG), Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council to manage the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) across the region.

Medequip will also support Somerset’s aim to be a carbon neutral county by 2030, committing to using power from sustainable sources across its operations and producing additional fully electric vehicles to service this contract as part of the company’s commitment to clean air initiatives.