Islington Council is reviewing an urgent decision made regarding the community equipment service, a vital resource for residents needing support at home.
The council meeting on 18 September 2025, addressed the urgent approval of a contract with Essex Cares Limited to provide this service. This action became necessary after NRS Healthcare, the previous provider, entered insolvency on 1 August 2025, potentially disrupting the supply of essential equipment to vulnerable residents.
Councillor Dr Sara Hyde, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, explained the urgency, stating that the community equipment service provides adults and children living at home with a range of vital equipment to support independence and early discharge from hospital. She noted that the decision was made using urgency procedures on 8 September 2025 by the Corporate Director Health and Social Care, concerning the community equipment service contract award. She also noted that a further urgent key decision was taken late today on the same issue as it became necessary to award the contract to an alternative provider. She thanked the team for working so hard to get this new contract in place for this vital service for our residents.
The report presented to the council highlighted the critical nature of the service, which provides equipment ranging from raised toilet seats to specialist beds, benefiting mostly residents aged 65 or over, as well as younger disabled adults and children. The service also includes repairs, maintenance, and collection of equipment.
The decision to award the contract to Essex Cares Limited aims to ensure the continuity of this essential service, funded through a pooled budget arrangement between Islington Council, Whittington Health, and North Central London Integrated Care Board.
The report noted that call-in provisions had been waived due to the urgency of the situation, as any delay would prevent the new contract from starting in time. The council was asked to note the decision to approve the contract to Essex Cares Limited for up to 36 months, including optional extensions.
The council report outlining the decision noted that the service is required to meet Council and NHS statutory duties and therefore a pooled budget exists to fund this provision. Partner contributions to the pooled budget are as follows:
- Islington Council 40%
- North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) 30%
- Whittington Hospital 30%
The report Contract Award for Community Equipment Service – Urgent Key Decision detailed the reasons for the urgent decision, emphasising the importance of the service in reducing hospital admissions, facilitating earlier discharges, and promoting independence and quality of life for residents.