Richard is frustrated…with the unworkable levels of funding

The Government announces an extra £3m for disabled people's organisations to better deliver services that disabled people really need. This is good news for people with disabilities as well as the rehabilitation equipment sector but is £3m anywhere near enough extra funding?

The Government continues with its drive to discharge patients from hospital sooner and to enable more people to live independently, however it is evident that many Community Equipment Services are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand on urgent deliveries of equipment. Commissioners of services are realising budget cuts rather than additional finances which are urgently required to commission additional resource.

When the disabled get the recognition and finance they require?

Julian Cobbledick

Hi Richard,
There is a way for CES services to help themselves when narrowing the funding gap. We have case studies to show that the use of modern software for their operations saves lots more than it costs. It improves service to boot!
On average about £2 per activity can be gained - but we've seen some save over £10 per activity!!
The ones who save the greater amount recycled their specials properly - facilitated by good online catalogue tools.
Times are tough, but if the public sector folk behave over the next decade as commercial operations have in the last decade, they can get leaner and more efficient.
Finally, I know it is sometimes unpopular as a concept, but as you have witnessed, contracting out can save a small fortune too.

26 May 2011

Richard Nicholson

Hi Julian
Very relevant points thank you. As I highlighted in a presentation to Welsh Assembly CES Managers a few years ago, the use of robust and modern software is the absolute foundation of a well run Equipment Service.
Commissioners indeed need to learn from commercial operations and manage services in a much more lean and efficient manner.
I agree that contracting services out can provide some excellent cost efficiencies and endorse your comments.

26 May 2011

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