Framework Contract for the Community Equipment Service in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Descriptions

Framework Contract for the Community Equipment Service in the London Borough of Redbridge for the Period 1.12.2015 to 30.11.2019.The main purpose of the Service is to obtain, deliver and install the appropriate community equipment on loan to people living in the community enabling them to do tasks they would otherwise be unable to do or to provide support to a Carer to enable ongoing care in their home environment. Once the Service User has no further use of the equipment the Provider shall ensure that it is returned/ collected, cleaned and, where possible, fully serviced and then re-used.The community equipment, along with Telecare/Telehealth, aids and adaptation can support reablement, contributing to preventing the needs for care and support; and provide a vital gateway to independence, dignity and well-being for many people living in the community.3.3. The Service will contribute to the implementation of the following National Policy, Legislation and Guidance including:— Integrating Community Equipment Services, DH (2001);— Transforming Community Equipment Services (TCES), 2006;— Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Legislations;— Putting People 1st: a shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care (2007);— Aiming High for Disabled Children (2007);— A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable Communities and Active Citizens (2010);— A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable Communities and Active Citizens (2010);— Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our Strategy for Public Health in England (2010);— Care and Support Statutory Guidance (issued under the Care Act 2014);— Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary; and community care, National Institute for Health and Care (NICE), 2012;— Implementing advice and alerts from The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advice and alerts; and— TSA Code of Practice — Telecare Services Association.3.4. It also reflects the local guidance and policy of the Participating Authorities that will be made available to the Provider at local level.3.5. Equipment covers a broad spectrum of provision such as single to multiple; simple to complex; low-cost to high-cost and is determined by continually changing needs of Service Users. The flexibility of the Service will enable Service Users to live either independently or with the aid of Carers and/or community services, NHS and Social Service assistance.3.6. The Participating Authorities consider all parts of the Service, including, but not limited to, an efficient IT system, crucial to the success of the Service. As such the Provider shall ensure that all parts of the Service meet the requirements of this Specification in order to provide a joined up support to Service Users.3.7. The Provider shall be aware that there is a wide range of community equipment required to meet therapeutic, rehabilitation, mobility, independence and communication needs. Any member of the community may need to use equipment at some point in time, some for a short period of time, recuperating from an operation for example; others for an indefinite period. Most equipment users are older or disabled people and the provision of efficient and integrated community equipment provision will therefore make a great deal of impact in the following areas:3.7.1. Prevention: The Service has a significant contribution to make in terms of preventing admissions to hospital or care homes; preventing delayed transfers of care; preventing ill health, for example pressure sores; and preventing or delaying deterioration in health;3.7.2. Independence: The right equipment can help people maintain their independence by allowing people to continue to carry out everyday tasks such as toileting, bathing, feeding and drinking. Equipment can also help with mobility; and3.7.3. Caring: Equipment can enable care and nursing needs to be attended to in a community setting by either paid or family Carers. Equipment can keep the Carer safe when moving and handling is required, preventing injury to the Carer and reducing the need for home care packages.4. Aims of the Service:4.1. The aim of the Service is to supply, deliver, fit, install, adjust, repair/refurbish, collect, decontaminate and recycle or dispose of items of equipment requisitioned by authorised Prescribers. The main components of the Service include, but are not limited to:4.1.1. Procuring equipment (Standard Stock and Special/Bespoke equipment) including paediatric and sensory equipment as requested by Prescribers to the standards and guidance as set by the Medical and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency (‘MHRA’) and identified within the NHS Controls Assurance Standards;4.1.2. Providing on-site technical advice, working with practitioners/clinicians, attending joint visits and advising clinicians on all aspects of minor adaptations and technicalities around equipment;4.1.3. Delivering the right items of equipment for daily living or nursing equipment to Service Users on short or long term loan basis to Service Users' homes within time-scales as instructed by the Prescriber and Authorising Officer;4.1.4. Delivering items to peripheral stores, hospitals, schools and day centres where instructed by the Authorising Officer;4.1.5. Collecting equipment (avoiding contamination with equipment being delivered) from the Service User's home or community setting when no longer required;4.1.6. Providing and maintaining the Framework Equipment Catalogue;4.1.7. Servicing, maintenance and repair of all items of equipment supplied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, including regular service of hoists and any other equipment specified by the Prescriber or Authorised Officer while the equipment is on issue to the Service Users, in the warehouse and before re-issue;4.1.8. Establishing close working links with Clinicians and Prescribers in acute, primary, secondary, community teams and other health care establishments;4.1.9. Administering, overseeing and quality checking any minor modifications/adaptations undertaken by subcontractors;4.1.10. Recycling of equipment;4.1.11. Storing a range of equipment, including returned Specials belonging to Participating Authorities;4.1.12. Agreeing and maintaining minimum service stock for Standard Stock items;4.1.13. Cleaning and refurbishment of returned equipment to enable its re-use as quickly as reasonably practicable;4.1.14. Fitting, installing, adjusting and/or assembling equipment and providing safety instructions to Service Users, including but not limited to instruction on how to clean and use the equipment provided if required;4.1.15. Safe disposal of all equipment collected from or returned by Service Users where the equipment is unsuitable for re-use and beyond economic repair;4.1.16. Producing management reports and keeping of all records; and4.1.17. Providing efficient Information Technology System to carry out all the above activities as well as providing management information and a Service Users database.4.2. In general, as specified throughout this Specification, the Provider shall ensure that all aspects of the Service are within the control or responsibility of the Provider. The Service shall be provided in a manner that meets the principles of Best Value, including but not limited to value for money, service quality, service performance, high levels of customer care and communications and best and appropriate use of all available resources.