The needs of the service user

In order to make better use of resources, service users need to be at the centre of both the assessment and the community equipment service. There is a history of allocating equipment, which is often not used and therefore not only fails to address the needs of service users but is also extremely wasteful of resources. Involvement is required of service users and their representatives not only in the assessment and review of equipment stages but also in the development of the service.

We need to ensure that we know what works well for the service user and what does not work so well in line with the principles of person centered planning. We also need the co-operation of the service user with their carers and families to ensure the return of equipment when it is no longer required.

Other stakeholders

The development of effective community equipment services will also require the input in terms of advice and feedback from key staff. This involves not only those involved in prescribing (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses etc) but also staff who use equipment to directly assist the service user.

This includes home care staff, nurses, residential care staff, etc. It will be important that services have arrangements in place to ensure there is feedback from key staff.