People who have a wheelchair provided by the NHS in Hertfordshire will receive their equipment and service from a new provider, AJM Healthcare, from 1 October 2022.
AJM Healthcare is an experienced provider of NHS wheelchair services and provides similar services in other areas of the country. AJM Healthcare has been appointed by Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) to provide the Hertfordshire Wheelchair Service following a rigorous procurement and selection process involving NHS clinicians, managers, and patient representatives.
AJM will provide a full range of services to wheelchair users and their carers including clinical assessments, specialist seating, wheelchair repairs and maintenance as well as delivery and collection services.
From 1 October, wheelchair services will be provided from two new locations:
- Unit 5, Centrus, Mead Lane, Hertford SG13 7GX
- Unit 5B, Vale Industrial Estate, Tolpits Lane, Watford WD18 9QP
Both locations are fully accessible and will run full service from each site, including assessments carried out in high standard clinic rooms, a repair and maintenance workshop and a customer service point. The Hertford location also benefits from extra features, including a Changing Places toilet (with a height adjustable changing bench and ceiling hoist) and electric vehicle charging points.
AJM Healthcare are seeking additional locations for satellite or ‘pop-up’ clinics offering more local appointments. They will also provide assessments in a person’s home or in other locations such as special educational needs schools where practicable.
Further information can be found on the new website at https://hertfordshire.wheelchair.services
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive Officer of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board said, “We are looking forward to working with AJM Healthcare in their provision of wheelchair services across Hertfordshire. We are pleased that AJM have a strong track record of delivering safe, high-quality, customer-focused services and will be working to deliver wider benefits including providing a service with strong green credentials.”
Guy Eatherington, Business Development and Customer Relations Director, AJM Healthcare said, “I am delighted to welcome wheelchair users, their families, and carers to the AJM Healthcare NHS wheelchair service from 1 October. We look forward to growing the service user voice in the development of the service in Hertfordshire.”
Kumar Moorthy, a wheelchair service user and Healthwatch representative involved with the procurement process said, “I welcome the fact that wheelchair users and carers have been involved throughout – from making suggestions that helped shape the requirements for the new service to interviewing bidders. It should help to make sure that we end up with a service that’s truly focused on meeting the needs whilst at the same time enhancing the experience of customers.”
Millbrook Healthcare, the current provider, will continue to provide wheelchair services until their contract ends on 30 September. They have been working with AJM Healthcare to ensure a seamless handover, including making sure that all patient care information is safely and successfully transferred.
Dr Jane Haplin added, “We are grateful to Millbrook Healthcare for their work and commitment to providing wheelchair related care for the Hertfordshire population and to moving the service forward over recent years.”
The current wheelchair service facility run by Millbrook Healthcare in Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City will close after 30 September.