Loan Equipment Service

The aims of the service are:

• To provide an efficient and effective Loan Equipment Service for people who have been assessed as requiring equipment to support a package of healthcare
• To enable Bolton Primary Care professionals to care for people either in their own home or in a residential setting

If you think you might need special equipment to help you at home, such as a walking frame or commode, ask your doctor or district nurse to refer you to this service.

Service Objectives

1. To provide efficient and effective assessment of the needs of the individual, by a healthcare professional.
2. To provide the necessary loan equipment to those eligible to use the service. We have agreed eligibility criteria to make sure that we are fair and consistent, and this information is given below.
3. To ensure an efficient and effective ordering, delivery and collection system.
4. To provide an efficient and effective monitoring system.
5. To ensure that maintenance and safety regulations are adhered to.
6. To provide strict budgetary control and value for money.
7. To identify unmet need (through the development of a waiting list).
8. Waiting lists will be monitored on a weekly basis and action taken to prioritise equipment needs.

Criteria for the Provision of Equipment

Loan equipment is provided in accordance with the following criteria:

The patient or client

• Is a resident of Bolton, living within their own home or in a residential home.
• Has had a needs assessment undertaken by a named healthcare professional working within Bolton Primary Care Trust.
• Has an identified need for a package of healthcare, the delivery of which requires the provision of specific equipment.

If we find we can't meet a need, a written report will go the senior manager responsible for the service.

Assessment Process

When a patient or client is referred to the service, a full assessment of their needs will be made by a healthcare professional. There will also be a risk assessment, which looks at both the individual and their environment. (There's a specific assessment if bed rails are to be used).

Any equipment we provide is on loan for as long as it is needed to support the package of care. Once it is no longer required, the equipment it must be collected or returned.