Change of service provider for the provision of specialist equipment for children and young people

Background 

Starting April 1, 2025, the provision of specialist equipment for children and young people in education, fostering, and early years settings will be handled by Medequip. This shift follows a review and aims to streamline and improve the service. 

Our Adult Services colleagues have been in a contract with Medequip since 2023. Equipment for children to use in their home is part of the current agreement. There are established processes for contract management, board meetings and decision-making panels - the additional equipment for children within this contract will join the processes which are already in place which will strengthen the relationships and provide higher quality oversight on the activities relating to children and young people. 

The New Service

The new service will centralise and improve the management of specialist equipment across all areas, including fostering, early years, and schools. Medequip, an established provider already contracted for adult services, will take on these responsibilities. The new system will offer better contract management, equipment recycling, a credit scheme for returned equipment, and regular maintenance. 

Next Steps

The new service will be implemented on April 1, 2025, with work underway to move existing equipment to Medequip's facilities from our storage sites.  

There is a comprehensive IT system which will be used for tracking and ordering equipment. 

We will issue contacts for servicing, repairs and collections before the new contract begins. 

Contacts for More Information

• Sarah Cubitt, Strategic Commissioner sarah.cubitt@norfolk.gov.uk  
• Emily Lown, Commissioning and Service Development Manager emily.lown@norfolk.gov.uk  
• Robert Innes, Commissioning Officer robert.innes@norfolk.gov.uk