Provision of Wheelchair Assessments and Technical Support to Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall (SH) manages a cohort of patients with complex musculoskeletal, neurological and chronic conditions as either an inpatient (ward based), residential or outpatients. A key enabler for DMRC is a wheelchair service which includes the provision of wheelchairs, pressure cushions, accessories and associated services. Such services include a wheelchair assessment, technical support, accessories, maintenance, and subject matter expert advice. Wheelchairs and accessories may be for the long term (over 12 months) or for the short term (less than 12 months) to support the patient as they recover.

The Contractor shall provide assessments, technical support, access to equipment for patient trial and subject matter expert advice. The service will also include completion of prescriptions for wheelchairs, specialist seating to be sent to the DMRC Occupational Therapist (OT) to order. There is also an additional requirement for clinical cleaning of wheelchairs.

The Contractor is to undertake the following: a. Assessment. Carry out patient assessments (appointment offered and consultation completed within 5 working days) and complete a report and prescription form (within 5 working days of completed assessment), as required for wheelchairs and pressure cushions/accessories:

i. Patients. These patients are undergoing intensive rehabilitation treatment at the DMRC.

ii. Remote Delivery. Some patients may be appropriate to have some of their appointments via a video teleconferencing (VTC) system.

iii. Other Locations. Provision of a visiting wheelchair specialist to assess inpatients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust Foundation) or other location. This will only be required in highly specific circumstances and is most likely to occur for a patient with multiple and complex injuries and a prolonged inpatient stay.

b. Maintenance. Maintenance, repair2 and annual servicing of wheelchair for the duration of time the patient is within the military will be carried out by DMRC. Unless expert advice is required then a quote will be required.

c. Training, The Contractor will provide training for DMRC rehab support workshop technicians in manual and power wheelchair maintenance competencies. There is also a requirement to provide training to OT at DMRC on assessment for wheelchairs and specialist seating. The training is only required once for each staff member to achieve competencies on startup of contract and follow up training is required for any new starters to be agreed between the Authority and the Contractor.

d. Cleaning. Clinically cleaning of short-term loan wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs within 5 working days of request.

This was a direct award.