Herefordshire Council has moved quickly to ensure critical community equipment and technology-enabled care services continue without disruption for residents across the county.
The change comes after the previous provider, NRS Healthcare, informed the council that it would be unable to continue operating beyond the end of July. Therefore, from 1 August 2025, two new council-commissioned providers will take responsibility, delivering these services to approximately 12,000 residents.
Hoople Ltd will now deliver the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES), which provides items such as shower chairs, toilet frames, commodes, hoists, pressure care mattresses and medical beds, along with specialist equipment for children with disabilities.
Careium UK Limited will take over the Technology Enabled Care Service (TECS), which includes lifeline units, pendants, falls detectors, smoke alarms and GPS devices, alongside the 24/7/365 emergency call monitoring.
The council is working closely with both organisations to ensure local staff are supported and the two services continue to be able to meet residents’ needs.
Residents and service-users do not need to take any action or make any changes to their normal routines or use of equipment. However, we would advise them to make a note of the new contact details, as shown below.
Hilary Hall, Corporate Director Community Wellbeing at Herefordshire Council, said:
As soon as we became aware of concerns regarding the future viability of NRS Healthcare, we worked quickly to explore alternative providers so that services can be maintained and residents who are most in need are protected. I am pleased that we have found new suppliers who can pick up these services immediately with minimum disruption to residents.
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:
We recognise how critical community equipment and technology enabled care is for people leaving hospital or for maintaining their independence at home. My message to them all is that we are working tirelessly to protect and serve our residents and have moved swiftly to find good alternative suppliers. Therefore, residents should experience minimum disruption as we transition to the new suppliers.
If you need to contact the Integrated Community Equipment Service, please contact Hoople Ltd on 01432 261818 or email CommunityEquipmentService@hoopleltd.co.uk.
For the Technology Enabled Care Service, please contact Careium UK Limited on 01323 690796 or email herefordshire@careium.com