Medway Council and the NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (KMCCG) have commissioned a new provider for the Medway Integrated Community Equipment Service (MICES).
The MICES service supports children and adults who, due to their health or a disability, may need community equipment such as walking frames, hoists, crutches and chairs to help them live their day-to-day lives and maintain their independence and wellbeing.
From Tuesday, 1 September Medequip will supply residents who need extra support with a range of equipment to ensure they receive appropriate care safely in their own homes. Medequip, who will be based in Rochester, will deliver, install, repair and collect equipment when it is no longer needed. An environmentally friendly fleet including an electric van will be used for all deliveries and collections.
Medequip will also help install minor adaptions in residents’ homes, if needed, to help them remain independent, this could include installing grab rails, ceiling track hoists and install temporary ramps. Residents may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay for major works, such as a wet room or widen doors. For more information email disabled.adaptations@medway.gov.uk.
Supporting residents to live independently
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, said: “I am pleased that we have commissioned Medequip to provide our community equipment service. We are committed to supporting Medway residents to live independently in their own homes and we offer tailored support to ensure that we continue to meet their own individual needs. If you, or someone you know, needs extra support I would encourage you to contact our Adult Social Care team to find out what support is available.”
Ensuring residents get the equipment they need
Wilf Williams, Accountable Officer at NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Enabling people to live well and independently is vitally important. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Medway Council to ensure local residents get the equipment and support they need to live in their own homes.”
Working closely with residents
Neil Harris, Medequip’s Implementation Manager for Medway, said: “The Medequip team is proud to have been selected by Medway as their chosen partner for the supply of community equipment. Working with the council, we plan to first evaluate existing service delivery systems, current community equipment and then, in partnership, begin training and implementation of new products and an enhanced IT solution. To support the implementation process and going forward into the future, Medequip will work closely with service users to develop service provision to best match their needs.”
Residents are referred to Medequip by Medway Council’s Adult Social Care team, Medway Community Healthcare and NHS practitioners but they can also use Ask SARA, an online self-help guide, run by the Disabled Living Foundation, and hosted by Medequip to help find advice and information about products which could make daily living easier.
From 1 September, the Medequip team will be available Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and bank holidays. Phone 01634 975108 or email Medway@medequip-uk.com. There is also an out of hours emergency repairs service.