Since 2002, the Equipu Community Equipment Partnership has been providing equipment and assistive technologies to help vulnerable people to live as independently and comfortably as possible in their own home.
Equipment provided includes items to help daily living and mobility, and can include seating, beds, mattresses and moving and handling equipment for those with more complex needs.

The Community Equipment Partnership comprises of NHS Greater and Clyde (NHSGGC), and
the six local authorities of East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire. These partners collectively commission
the Community Equipment Store service provider (Glasgow) to provide community equipment
and other services such as stairlifts. The service provides equity, delivering a standardised
pathway to provide equipment across the Partnership area.

Each partner has a range of services that access the arrangements. The service helps facilitate hospital discharge, and Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) use this for their community-based services. Other service provision includes to Care Homes, Education, Housing and some third sector partners.

Every two years a service user survey is completed to monitor performance. The latest was
completed in April - May 2019, with a representative sample from each partnership area.
Telephone surveys were carried out over a three-week period capturing very useful comments
from people who provide an insight into the difference being made, and the impact equipment
can have on overall well-being.

The Survey showed a high satisfaction rate with the overall Store Service and delivery times
rated at 91.3% for ‘very good’ and ‘good,’ and appearance and professionalism rated at
93.3%.

In terms of the impact on service users, key outcomes are listed below:
• 94.2% feel equipment has enabled the service user to resume activities or do more for
themselves;
• 34.1% now need less help from others;
• 66.5% feel the equipment provision has contributed to improvements in their health and
• 93.8% feel the equipment makes them feel safer at home.

Alison Docherty, Equipu Partnership Project Manager said: “Many of our service users have
more complex needs and are being supported to remain at home for longer, and the survey
Pictured: Staff member fitting equipment for a service user.

"Evidence shows that community equipment is supporting people to be as independent as they
can. It is clear from survey comments that timely equipment provision is a critical service that
can have a profound effect on someone’s life, and help achieve many of the wider strategic
objectives of the Health and Social care Partnership.”

Comments from service users and carers included:
“I’m 81 years of age. The equipment for the shower and the back door is fantastic. When I
came out of hospital my leg was weak and I was walking badly. The equipment has helped
me, so I’m happy as Larry to get back into the greenhouse and look after my tomatoes.”

“It (shower chair) improved her life so much. She is going out more. It’s crazy to think that
a small chair can make so much difference. We live close to Morrison’s and she’ll go to the
shops now. She probably didn’t feel dressed or clean before. She was like a prisoner in her
own home. She’s so much more confident.”

“Just out of hospital having taken a stroke. I use the walking aid to get out. The Zimmer was
a godsend and I now use the trolley to carry the injections, medicines to get to the TV and for
my make-up in case Mr. Right comes to the door!”

If you or someone you know is struggling with everyday functions and would like advice on whether equipment may help please contact your local Health and Social Care Partnership services.