New community equipment provider for Brighton & Hove

We’ve set up new arrangements for community equipment following the announcement that our previous supplier, Nottingham Rehabilitation Services (NRS), would be going into compulsory liquidation on Friday 1 August.  

NRS have provided community equipment services such as mobility aids, hoists and hospital beds in Brighton & Hove for the last 9 years.  

These services ensure people can be safely discharged from hospital to their homes, including care homes, while also supporting people to remain living in their community by providing equipment tailored to their needs. 

NRS held contracts with 42 local authorities, and over the last month all affected authorities have been developing contingency plans to ensure service continuity.   

New supplier 

The market for community equipment service is limited, with only 2 alternative national providers in the market.  

As East and West Sussex County Councils both currently contract with one of the providers, Millbrook Healthcare, we approached them to explore the possibility of them providing community equipment services in Brighton & Hove. 

Millbrook agreed to implement a short-term emergency service from Friday 1 August, focusing on the most critical elements of equipment to support hospital discharge.  

In the coming months, we intend to scale up services to deliver the full community equipment offer over the course of the next 3 years. 

Handover and transition 

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “I’m pleased to announce that we have new community equipment arrangements in place following the news that NRS is going into liquidation. 

“Community equipment is vital for people leaving hospital and maintaining their independence at home, so we’re committed to ensuring this service remains as reliable as possible, especially to those people with the highest levels of need. 

“Alongside our NHS partners, we’re working closely with both NRS and our new provider, Millbrook, to ensure the smoothest possible handover and service continuity.” 

For more information about this transition, visit our equipment to help with daily living webpage.