Tower Hamlets Council has agreed to extend its community equipment services contract with NRS Healthcare for a further two years, with a potential one-year extension. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The extension follows financial difficulties experienced by NRS Healthcare, which necessitated council intervention to ensure the continued delivery of essential equipment to vulnerable residents. The council's intervention involved extending the commissioning of Community Equipment Services with NRS Healthcare for a further two years, with a potential one-year extension. Additionally, the council will work with Newham Council on procuring equipment supplies while developing its own long-term arrangements.
Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented the report, noting that the council had to intervene rapidly due to the financial risks faced by NRS Healthcare. She highlighted the importance of these services for vulnerable residents and children who rely on essential equipment to live safely and independently at home.
The meeting information, available in the Public reports pack 18th-Feb-2026 17.30 Cabinet, details the decision-making process. While the report mentions collaboration with Newham Council on procuring equipment supplies, it does not explicitly state if other alternative providers were considered during the contract extension process.
