WHSCT community equipment plans

The Trust provides community equipment to people of all ages to enable them to maintain their independence in their own homes. Under the new scheme, there will be two sub-stores, in Omagh and Enniskillen, which will stock frequently ordered pieces of equipment that can be accessed by relevant professional staff as required. All equipment will be delivered to and collected from people’s homes and all recycled equipment will be decontaminated using a purpose built decontamination unit.

In addition, for the first time in the Trust area, a new service will be implemented to deliver continence products directly to the user’s home and the operation of a ring-back system whereby users can ring a dedicated team when they require additional supplies.

All Trust staff employed within the old service model have been accommodated either via internal transfer within the Western Trust, secondment within Western Trust, transfer to BSO or via the voluntary exit scheme.

Vincent Ryan, Assistant Director of Primary and Community Care, Western Trust said: “Providing community equipment is a significant factor in preventing inappropriate or unnecessary hospital admission and it is a key component of the care package required to facilitate timely discharge from hospital.

“We are delighted that this new model for community equipment can provide a more efficient service to the population throughout the Trust.”

He added: “The new home delivery of continence products will bring greater efficiency and support to users and delivery will take place at a convenient time.”