Home equipment prescription

In Lancashire, we have introduced the use of prescriptions for items of equipment. This is available for some items and will give choice and control over the equipment you receive.

How it works

1. You will be assessed by a health or social care professional. They will decide you are eligible to receive free equipment.

2. To receive the equipment, a relative or friend takes the prescription to an accredited retailer of your choice.

3. You can choose to top-up or upgrade your equipment if you wish. (You will have to pay the different of price if you choose to upgrade equipment)

4. You can get your equipment from any accredited retailer on the list.

How to upgrade your equipment

If you choose to upgrade a piece of equipment, you will simply pay the accredited retailer.

This will be the difference of the standard price and the upgraded price.

Arranging delivery of your equipment

You can get your equipment from any accredited retailer on the list below.

If during your assessment it's shown that going to the shop to select equipment is not possible then delivery is available. The person assessing you will support and arrange this. This is available only if you or someone on your behalf is unable to select equipment from a shop.

If you are not eligible to free delivery but would like this, you can arrange this yourself. To do this contact the chosen shop, you are likely to pay an extra cost to the accredited retailer for this.

How to fit your equipment

Your relatives or carers can also collect and fit your equipment.

When they visit the shop they will be given instructions for fitting the equipment in your home. They will also have to sign the prescription on your behalf.

Getting equipment installed in your home

Many accredited retailers provide this service. list for details below.

If you are a resident of Blackburn and Darwen the items and installation will be provided by the local council.

Contact by telephone 01254 269220 for arrangements to be made.

If you have installation arranged the retailer will contact you. They will discuss a suitable time and day for this work to take place.

There is an expectation that a normal installation should be fit for purpose for a minimum of 12 months.

Using the equipment

The shop will show you how to use the equipment. If the equipment needs fitting into your home the shop will give instructions on how to do this.

Some equipment will include a fitting service provided by the accredited retailer.

Reporting faulty equipment

Any faults with pieces of equipment you can contact the retailer you received it from. 

The accredited retailer is responsible for replacing faulty items.

Change of needs or if your equipment is wearing out

You will need to request a further assessment by phoning one of the numbers shown below. 

It is important to check your equipment regularly.

This is to make sure it is in good working order and meets your needs.

If equipment is no longer needed

The equipment provided on prescription belongs to you.

It is not cost effective to collect, clean, store and reissue the items because of their low value.

Like any other household waste, it is up to you to dispose of the equipment responsibly when you no longer need it. You can use:

• Disposal at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

• Collection arranged by your local Council.

You can dispose of smaller items using your local Council's normal waste collection service. (Larger items can cost. Contact your local Council and they will explain to you their services and any charges.)

• Donate the equipment to a charity. You can contact the charity to check if they accept the equipment or can collect from your home.

Returning large equipment

If you are provided with large piece of equipment such as, a hoist or bath lift you will not receive a prescription.

Instead, the contracted provider, Medequip, will loan this type of equipment to you.

It will need to be returned to them once you no longer need it.

Contact information

Lancashire County Council

Customer Service Centre

Telephone : 0300 123 6720

Information sharing and consent

During the prescription process, there will be a need to share your personal and sensitive information. This will be used across the relevant local authorities, NHS trusts and accredited retail shops. This will include your name, address, personal circumstances and equipment needs. This information is very important in helping to make sure that you receive the best possible service.