Outsourced provider wins CES contract to ensure residents get vital assistive tech

A major outsourced provider of community equipment to the NHS and local authorities, Medequip has announced that it will be the new provider of the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) for residents in Kingston upon Thames, London, from 1 April 2022.

This assistive technology service supports children and adults who, due to their health or a disability, may need community equipment like walking frames, hoists, crutches, and minor adaptations to help them live their day-to-day lives to maintain independence and wellbeing.

The service will utilise Redbridge Council’s ICES Framework in terms of how the service operates from a commissioned service point of view, with the day-to-day management of the service being led by Kingston Council.

The service underpins the council’s priority to help children and adults be as safe, healthy, and independent as possible and to stay engaged with their communities. It also helps reduce pressures on frontline health and social care services by hospital admission prevention and supporting discharge.

The ICES is jointly funded by Kingston in partnership with NHS Southwest London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and the service manages the supply, repair and maintenance of a wide range of health and social care equipment for residents of Kingston.

Kingston Council stated: “We are committed to supporting Kingston residents to live independently in their own homes by offering individually tailored support to ensure their needs are met. The service gives vital support to residents to remain independent and live at home. It also aids to facilitate safe discharges, preventing admission and support End of Life care.”

The council encourages the residents themselves or family and friends supporting those in need of extra support to contact the Adult Social Care team for details on the support available.

Medequip says it is looking forward to collaborating with its new partners and supporting people to live independently for longer.

The outsourced provider recently confirmed it is the new provider of the BHR (Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge) ICES, which will also begin on 1 April 2022. Medequip will work directly with health professionals within the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and health and social care professionals in Havering and Redbridge.