Community Equipment: Invitation to join a Health and Social Care co-production group
Would you like to be part of a co-production group to improve the process for how community equipment can be returned across County Durham and Darlington?
What is Co-Production?
Co–production is when service users, carers and health and social care come together to develop and shape services, rather than staff making decisions alone. Health and social care professionals, with the support of the current local provider, Medequip, are looking for people to join a group to discuss community equipment. We are considering improved ways of getting equipment that has been loaned out, returned, and back into circulation.
Why is this important?
It is important that community equipment, such as walking aids, commodes, and cushions, are returned after use so they can be reused and don’t go to waste. Thousands of pounds worth of unused medical and community equipment goes missing each year across County Durham and Darlington. Replacing equipment which hasn’t been returned to the service is more costly, whereas re-allocating used equipment to other service users is more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
How can you get involved?
We would like your help in improving the design of the process to encourage service users and carers to return equipment that is no longer needed. Do you have ideas that could help? Such as:
- Should we have collection points in supermarkets or at council refuse sites?
- Should we run an appeal on social media, for example; Facebook or Twitter?
- Should we enlist the help of the local media, such as the newspaper or radio?
To discuss any ideas you might have, we are hosting a co-production meeting in mid-November. You can attend online or in person.
Find out more
The group values the opinions of service users and carers. All are welcome and your time will be appreciated.
If you would like to apply to take part and become a member of the co-production group, please email jennifer.galloway2@nhs.net or call 0191 691 4023 and you will be contacted with more information. Please submit an expression of interest by 5pm on Monday 15th November 2021.
Thank you.