PME2 - Provision of Health and Social Care Community Equipment (GELS)

Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) is reviewing how it sources Health and Social Care community equipment. We are looking to better understand the market and see what we can learn from it to support the development of the service.

To support us to progress this work we would like to invite providers of community equipment to complete the below questionnaire to support GCC to further develop knowledge of the market, offering feedback and any creative suggestions on how to achieve our vision.

Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a statutory duty to provide community equipment to support individuals with care and support needs. In Gloucestershire, this responsibility is fulfilled through the Gloucestershire Equipment Loans Service (GELS), an in-house service operated by Gloucestershire County Council. GELS enables health and social care professionals to prescribe and arrange the loan of equipment to residents of all ages across the county, supporting the prevent, reduce and delay aims of the Care Act by helping them to live independently at home and support daily living.

The logistics and distribution functions of GELS are managed directly by GCC within the Adult Social Care Directorate, ensuring integrated service delivery and alignment with broader care and support strategies.

Types of Equipment Supplied:

Mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, wheelchairs)

Bathing and toileting equipment (e.g. shower chairs, commodes)

Beds and mattresses

Mobile hoists and slings

Daily living aids (e.g. perching stools)