Community Equipment Loan Service

Community equipment loan services are essential for people who need social care support at home. They help them live with more independence and dignity.

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes works in partnership with Bedford Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council, and Milton Keynes Council to provide the Community Equipment Loan Service.

Medequip is our service provider for the delivery, collection, repair and servicing of community equipment.

Equipment provided

Working closely with occupational therapists and other health and social care professionals, the service loans equipment free of charge to enable people to stay living at home independently and reduce the need for hospital or care home admissions. Issuing equipment is often key to facilitating quicker hospital discharges.

All equipment loaned will be provided on an individual basis to people who have been assessed as needing it.

Getting equipment

If you’re finding some areas of daily living becoming difficult and believe you have a condition you need help with, contact your Council’s social care team:

• Bedford Borough Council
• Central Bedfordshire Council
• Luton Council
• Milton Keynes Council

Or speak to your GP for a referral.

A trained person will carry out an assessment to see if you are eligible for support.

Contacting Medequip

If you have any questions regarding equipment that has recently been delivered or requires repair, call 0333 091 7763 or email blmk@medequip-uk.com.

Returning community equipment

All equipment loaned by the Community Equipment Loan Service should have a Medequip label on it, showing the Medequip customer service telephone number. Medequip will also accept equipment with a Millbrook Healthcare label.

If your equipment is no longer required and ready to be returned, please call 0333 091 7763 or email blmk@medequip-uk.com.

You can also return equipment yourself directly to Medequip:

Bedford Service Centre Depot: Medequip, Hammond Road, Elm Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK41 0UD.

Opening Hours: 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday – Friday.

Further independent living support options

Self-care empowers you to live independently, giving you the confidence to remain in your own home and complete everyday tasks safely.

For online advice, please visit medequip.livingmadeeasy.org.uk – an online self-assessment tool, giving you free impartial advice about all types of equipment, to make daily living easier.

For self-funded mobility and disability equipment options, please visit www.manageathome.co.uk – Your Online Medequip Retail Store.