Hertfordshire wheelchair service providers work together to provide seamless transition
People who have a wheelchair provided by the NHS in Hertfordshire are now receiving their equipment and service from major UK outsourced wheelchair services provider AJM Healthcare, which took over the NHS service from 1 October 2022.
AJM Healthcare was appointed by Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) to provide the Hertfordshire Wheelchair Service following a rigorous procurement and selection process involving NHS clinicians, managers, and patient representatives.
Kumar Moorthy, a wheelchair service user and Healthwatch representative involved with the procurement process, said: “I welcome the fact that wheelchair users and carers have been involved throughout – from making suggestions that helped shape the requirements for the new service to interviewing bidders.
“It should help to make sure that we end up with a service that’s truly focused on meeting the needs whilst at the same time enhancing the experience of customers.”
Millbrook Healthcare, the previous wheelchair service provider, has been working with AJM Healthcare to ensure a seamless handover, including making sure that all patient care information is safely and successfully transferred.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive Officer of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, commented: “We are grateful to Millbrook Healthcare for their work and commitment to providing wheelchair related care for the Hertfordshire population and to moving the service forward over recent years.”
The new Hertfordshire wheelchair service is being provided from two new locations, Unit 5, Centrus, Mead Lane, Hertford, and Unit 5B, Vale Industrial Estate, Tolpits Lane, Watford.
At these locations, AJM Healthcare provides a full range of services to wheelchair users and their carers including clinical assessments, specialist seating, wheelchair repairs, and maintenance as well as delivery and collection services.
AJM Healthcare is also seeking additional locations for satellite or ‘pop-up’ clinics offering more local appointments. Further information can be found on the new website.
Guy Eatherington, Business Development and Customer Relations Director for AJM Healthcare, commented: “We look forward to growing the service user voice in the development of the service in Hertfordshire.”
The current locations are fully accessible and full services will run from each site, which includes assessments carried out in high-standard clinic rooms, a repair and maintenance workshop and a customer service point.
The Hertford location also benefits from extra features, including a Changing Places toilet with a height-adjustable changing bench and ceiling hoist, and electric vehicle charging points.
Hertfordshire Wheelchair Service will also provide assessments in a person’s home or in other locations such as special educational needs schools where practical.
Dr Haplin concluded: “We are looking forward to working with AJM Healthcare in their provision of wheelchair services across Hertfordshire.
“We are pleased that AJM have a strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality, customer-focused services and will be working to deliver wider benefits including providing a service with strong green credentials.”
Recently, AJM Healthcare employees came together to gather 10 large boxes containing basic but essential medical equipment items to donate to Ukraine.