Walking Aids Re-use

Descriptions

Introduction Acting on behalf of Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL), a Management Function of NHS Supply Chain, the Collaborative Procurement Partnership LLP (CPP) provides a framework for 'Aids for Daily Living' which runs until 31 October 2023 with work currently ongoing to plan for a replacement framework. A contract notice is to be issued on 1 November 2022. The NHS requires an innovative integrated solution for the provision of high-quality walking aids to support the re-use of these products and is looking to build the re-use of crutches, walking sticks, Zimmer frames, rollators within the NHS Supply Chain framework for 'Aids for Daily Living' NHS Supply Chain and its customers are using this opportunity to fundamentally re-think the requirements and explore alternative delivery models to support the delivery of a Greener NHS. Walking aids are provided on a need's basis by a range of healthcare specialists including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, fracture and orthopaedic clinics, A&E, outpatient departments and diabetic foot clinics. They can also be supplied through community hospitals and social care. Some services are likely to have repeat visits from patients allowing easier return/collection, other clinics such as A&E may not have return visits by patients making collection and return more difficult. Two categories of walking aid users can be distinguished: 1. Long-term users (patients that are given aids and will typically keep them until the equipment or patients no longer needing the item) 2. Short-term users (patients are given aids for example as part of post-surgery, post-accident rehabilitation)