Barnsley Community Equipment Service

Barnsley Community Equipment Service

The Barnsley Community Equipment Service is provided through partnership arrangements between Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Social Services and the NHS Barnsley Primary Care Trust.
This service loans equipment to people who, because of illness or disability, need it to help them to live more independently or to be supported or nursed in their own homes.  Equipment is available to help people with moving around, bathing, showering and toileting, doing household and kitchen tasks, as well as equipment to meet the particular needs of people with sight or hearing problems. There is also equipment to help a person carry out their role as a carer and helping with nursing tasks.  The equipment is loaned to the person for as long as it is needed.  When no longer needed it should be returned to the Community Equipment Store.

What do I do if I need help?
Equipment will usually be requested on your behalf by occupational therapists, physiotherapists, district nurses and others concerned in your health and social care and well being. If you do not have help from these services and you think equipment will help you manage daily life tasks in your home you can:

• Go to local suppliers (see Equipment Suppliers – Local and Mail Order) 
• Go to the Disabled Living Foundation – Self Assessment website    
• Phone or e-mail the Equipment and Adaptation Assessment Team   
• For nursing equipment contact your GP or District Nurse.

Whoever you choose to talk to will offer you advice and suggest certain items of equipment that will help.  Please do not be afraid to ask.

Do I need to pay for equipment I borrow?
If you have been assessed and the equipment is essential for your safety and well being at home it is loaned to you free of charge.  Whether you are entitled to equipment free of charge depends on the Fair Access to Care Criteria.  
If you prefer you can purchase your own equipment if this is equipment you are entitled to under Fair Access to Care you may be able to have a Direct Payment to purchase the item(s) yourself.

Where does the equipment come from?
The Community Equipment Store is based on the Kendray Hospital Site.
Barnsley Community Equipment Service
Kendray Hospital
Doncaster Road
Kendray
Barnsley
S70 3RD
Tel:  01226 777834

This is where the equipment is stored and managed but it is not possible to view or try equipment at this location.  The Service based here as well as storing equipment, delivers and collects it, cleans and repairs and ensures it is fit to be used for the purpose intended.  
What do I do if the equipment is no longer required?
If the equipment we provided is no longer needed by you or the person you care for, you can return it to the Community Equipment Store at Kendray Hospital or you can ring the Community Equipment Store and arrangements can be made to have it collected. 

What do I do if the equipment is broken?
Please contact the Community Equipment Store as soon as possible. 
If it is a simple breakdown the service will arrange the repair.  In some circumstances repair may take a while or not be possible.  In this case the equipment will be replaced or other alternatives discussed with you.
We will try and ensure the minimum disruption to you and your carer.
If you have any questions or comments about the Service we provide, please do not be afraid to let us know

Related Links:

Equipment Suppliers - Local and Mail Order