CHESHIRE has been chosen as a pilot area for a flexible new way of providing equipment for people with disabilities.
The Cheshire Community Equipment Service supplies equipment such as walking sticks, shower chairs and electronic beds for people in their homes.
Under the pilot scheme service users can visit a retailer and collect the item new from stock instead of relying on the existing system where they may receive a ‘recycled’ item from the local authority.
Service users are given a ‘prescription’ to exchange for the item from their choice of a number of approved Cheshire retailers.
They also have the option to pay extra if they would like to upgrade the item.
The service is led by Cheshire County Council in partnership with Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust and Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust.
Cheshire County Council’s adult and community services executive member Lynn Hardwick said: “The service plays a vital role in supporting people to remain in their own homes and retain independence.
“The new supply system offers the service user far greater choice and flexibility, and makes access to equipment easier and more straightforward.
“By piloting this scheme we will be able to shape it to suit Cheshire through consultation with service users.”
Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust chief executive Helen Bellairs said: “Involving people who use this vital equipment and making sure that we take their views into account will be crucial when agreeing how the service will operate.”
It is hoped the new supply system will be implemented once the pilot scheme ends in April 2008.
