Community Equipment
Community equipment is currently commissioned jointly with Durham County Council and the ICB. One provider called Mediquip delivers the service.
The Council aim to support people to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible. Community equipment enables this by preventing, reducing or delaying conditions worsening, e.g. aiding mobility and balance, preventing pressure sores and preventing falls.
Community equipment supports the prevention of admissions to hospital and swift discharge from hospital. All equipment is provided to support people with eligible health or social care needs following an assessment.
We currently have some 16 prescribers in Darlington. We work closely with our NHS colleagues and have joint contractual arrangements in place for loan store provision. This provided 2190 items to Darlington residents of all ages in 2023, such as specialist beds and chairs. We also provided 1056 simple aids for daily living, e.g. walking frames, bath steps and commodes.