Community Equipment Framework

Descriptions

The London Consortium Community Equipment Framework, managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, appointed Nottingham Rehab Services (NRS) to the framework in April 2023. 21 Local Authorities are part of the Consortium with the NHS responsible for between 60%-70% of the total contract spend. Hammersmith and Fulham entered a 'Call-off' agreement from the above-mentioned framework to appoint NRS as the Council's supplier of Community Equipment.

NRS informed the consortium in July 2025 that it will be unable to continue to fulfil its contracts with effect from the 31 July 2025 owing to financial difficulties. NRS went into official receivership via court order on 1st August 2025.

The scope and complexities of requirement means that it is not possible to carry out a procurement even with shortened timeframes. A direct award is the only viable option.

The timely provision of equipment contributes significantly to the priorities of the council and the NHS. This includes:

• Aiding short term recovery e.g. a raised toilet seat following a hip replacement

• Supporting long term conditions to be managed in the home e.g. ceiling track hoists and slings to enable care at home

• Reducing risk of deterioration e.g. appropriate seating and postural support to enable independent eating

• Facilitating hospital discharge e.g. pendant alarms and key safes

• Reducing unscheduled hospital admissions and Accident & Emergency attendance.

• Reducing the costs of long-term care by avoiding the need for paid carers, and/or by reducing the number of carers or frequency of care visits required

• Promoting independence, safety, social inclusion, quality of life, improved end of life care.

• Helping to give elderly and disabled people control over their own lives.