Cumbria Equipment Retailers Service - Supply of Care Equipment for Daily Living (Simple Aids by Prescription) Framework

The aims of the Cumbria Equipment Retailers service will be to support NHS and CCC service users and people who fund their own equipment, to live independently and safely in their own homes. It also aims to support carers who are looking after people wishing to remain in their own homes.

The service was set up to enable service users/users to exercise choice and control over the equipment they receive by providing a variety of local Retailers showcasing a range of equipment. It also enables timely service user discharge from hospital by supporting service users to return to their own homes.

This service is committed to ensuring there are sufficient Retailers who are able to offer robust and effective independent advice about the range of equipment available, how to fit and use it safely and effectively and to deal with any safety concerns.

The service operates on the basis of a Retail Model that was initially a Department of Health led initiative which used a national specification and tariff price list. Cumbria introduced the Retail Model in October 2010. The Contract was renewed in 2017 and is due to end in March 2022.

Under this Model, Customers are prescribed Care Equipment by Practitioners. Customers then redeem these prescriptions at the Retailers’ premises which is closest to their geographical location. This gives customers the opportunity to view the equipment, seek advice from the Retailer and top up their prescription with other equipment if they choose to. Practitioners are also able to prescribe delivery and fit.