Accreditation Body scrapped
An announcement has been made that the CEDAB (Community Equipment Dispenser Accrediation Body) is being scrapped after less than a year in operation. The body produced the criteria that should be met by the retailers hoping to be part of the retail model and was supposed to be the policing outfit in terms of which businesses could take part in the retail model throughout England.
As one person commented; “This was the one bit of the whole programme that actually had a national feel and look about it and now it is being taken apart.”
The statement from the DoH said; “Roll-out of the prescription system for simple community equipment is now moving into the hands of local authorities. A sustainable accreditation scheme is needed that will provide both consistency and local flexibility, allowing local councils and their health partners to manage and monitor their local retailer relationships. From 1st October, organisations adopting the prescription scheme for simple community equipment will manage their retailer accreditation scheme locally, based on core operating requirements and competencies for Assistive Technology”.
The statement went on to say; “A local approach to accreditation means that the CEDAB national accreditation body and infrastructure, tested over the past year, is no longer appropriate. The TCES programme will not be renewing its endorsement of CEDAB after 30th September. From 1st October 2009, retailers wishing to partner with sites adopting the retail model for simple equipment will not need to apply to CEDAB for accreditation. Accreditation will be managed and monitored locally.”
You can read more HERE