Transforming Community Equipment Services (TCES)
The 'Retail Model' for Simple Aids to Daily Living
Changing the way social care is provided
Transforming Community Equipment Services aim to change the way that disabled and older people receive simple aids to help with daily living through the introduction of the ‘Retail Model’. This is just a small part of a wider scheme called Personalisation Agenda intended to change the way social care is provided giving people more choice and control over the services they receive.
See Personalisation Agenda (external link) for more information.
Introduction of the 'Retail Model' in Haringey
The ‘Retail Model’ which launched in Haringey in 2011, is a joint initiative between Haringey Council and North Central London NHS. Its aim is to improve access to simple items of equipment such as bathing aids and raised toilet seats, which can play a significant role in helping people lead more independent lives.
With the new system in place, following as assessment of need by a health or social care professional, a prescription will be provided which can be exchanged for ‘simple aids to daily living’ at a local retailer.
Accredited retailers in Haringey
We currently have one accredited retailer:
Fortuna Mobility
- Address: 3 Northgate Business Centre, Crown Road Enfield, EN1 1TG
- Tel: 020 8344 4820
- Email: info@fortunamobility.com
- Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 8.30am - 5.30pm
To provide greater choice and flexibility, there is an option to ‘top up’ or ‘upgrade' to an item that meets the same need but is more pleasing, for which the individual would pay the difference in cost.
This new way of accessing simple equipment also provides the opportunity for any person, including those who are not eligible for services, to go to a local ‘accredited retailer’ and buy their own simple items of equipment to maintain their independence.
Role of local Accredited Retailers
- Haringey Council and NHS are working in partnership with local retailers to provide community equipment to all residents who require it.
- Accredited retailers can be identified by the following logo which should be displayed in their shop window:
- Accreditation means that the retailer will be able to provide the equipment listed on your prescription, with advice and demonstration on how the equipment should be fitted.
- You can also buy the equipment privately from the retailers who have trained staff that will be able to advise you. They may refer you to Health and Social Care if your needs are more complex.
What is a 'prescription' for your equipment?
- If you are eligible for equipment from Haringey Council/NHS, you may be given a ‘prescription’ for your equipment. If you think of the prescription as a “voucher”, you will be able to exchange it for your equipment.
- If you wish to have the equipment delivered or fitted, you should contact your chosen retailer to arrange when they can visit you. There may be a charge to you for this service.
- If you are unable to visit any of the retailers, you can ask a friend, relative or carer to do this on your behalf.
- You are advised to contact the accredited retailer in advance to check availability and ensure they have the equipment in stock.
- Only when you are satisfied that the retailer can provide the items in a suitable timeframe, you should provide your details to enable the retailer to process the order.
- You are advised to ask the accredited retailer about parking options, or if you have any special access requirements.
- You can choose to get an item of a different colour/more features from the retailer and pay the difference in cost. This is called ‘topping-up’
- If you have more than 1 item on your prescription you will need to get all the items from the same retailer.
- The prescription is valid for 28 days from the date it is issued.
If the equipment is not suitable or needs replacing
- As with other items that you own, if there is a fault with the equipment, you should go back to the place you got it from - your chosen retailer.
- If you don’t think the equipment supplied meets your needs, you should contact the Health/Social Care practitioner who gave you the prescription.
- If you are not satisfied with the service received by your chosen retailer, you should report this directly to the retailer who will deal with it directly through their complaints procedure.
- If you received a prescription for an item that is now out of warranty (more than 1 year) and it needs replacing, you can arrange for this replacement by contacting the Health or Social Care team you were referred to, or First Response Team on 0208 489 1400
- If you think your needs have changed and you may need a re-assessment, call the First Response Team on 020 8489 1400.
Equipment ownership
Once you have received the equipment from the retailer, the equipment is yours to keep. This also means that when you no longer need the equipment, you may dispose of it how you choose.
Further information
If you would like more information or wish to request an assessment please contact First Response Team:
- Tel: 020 8489 1400
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm - Email: Firstresponseteam@haringey.gov.uk
- Post:
First Response Team
London Borough of Haringey
2nd Floor, River Park House
225 High Road, Wood Green, N22 7TR
One of our dedicated team of Community Care Officers will be pleased to assist with your enquiry.
- Web: Visit Haricare (external link) - the online directory of services for adults.
For more information on how to get equipment to assist with daily living please see: