The first ever Code of Practice for community and other disability equipment has been launched in the UK in response to a series of critical reviews identifying serious clinical and financial failings.
The Code aims to support public sector organisations to help them commission and provide services more effectively. Until now there has been no standardised regulation of a service area that supplies over 12 million pieces of equipment to 4 million people every year in the UK.
A recent report has identified that if just 1% of community equipment fails to be delivered, the potential cost to the economy could reach an alarming £5 billion per annum. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) every year in the UK there are over 30 deaths and 1,500 serious incidents as a result of inappropriate and unsafe equipment supplied in the community.
The Code of Practice will be administered by a not-for-profit social enterprise, the Chairman of which is the former Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, Liverpudlian Sir Bert Massie CBE.
Sir Bert says: “Community equipment is a life saver for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and is used every day in homes, hospitals, care homes, day centres and special schools. This is about providing the right equipment at the right time which supports initiatives related to self-determination, independence, rehabilitation, early intervention and prevention, together with end of life care.”
One of the main aims of the Code of Practice is to deliver better clinical outcomes by reducing the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities caused by unsafe and inappropriate equipment, and by equipment that is delayed or in some cases not provided at all.
Adherence to the Code will improve access to disability and community equipment for adults and children and make sure they’re getting the equipment they need in a timely manner.
Brian Donnelly is the author of the Code of Practice. He said: “Without community equipment or the correct community equipment, people are unable to live their lives as they should. They may have to stay in hospital or require round-the-clock care provided by their Local Authority or even family members, which has significant economic and quality of life implications. In many cases, basic human rights are being violated.
“Other industries operating in the health and social care arenas have been regulated by codes of practice for decades, such as the pharmaceutical industry, and it’s long overdue for community equipment. There are many fragments of legislation relating to the different aspects of these services, which are overly complex. The new Code pulls together all duties and responsibilities into one coherent document.”
The Code of Practice has received support from across the sectors including government agencies, third-sector organisations and professional bodies. The Code of Practice sets out standards, guidelines and best practice for each stage of the community equipment process and applies to all areas where community equipment is commissioned and provided by Health and Local Authorities. It comprehensively covers all public sector commissioning, provision and the clinical and professional responsibilities. Organisations can register as working to the Code of Practice as a Full or Associate Registrant, depending on their level of involvement with community equipment.
In addition, to provide independent quality assurance, organisations have the option to become accredited by an external inspection body. Approved Training is also available to cover all aspects of the Code, with courses available for all staff working with community equipment, whether commissioning, providing, or managing a service, or for professionals assessing users’ needs.
More information on the Code is available at www.cecops.org.uk.