Thousands of disabled people in Sandwell to benefit from project
Thousands of disabled and and vulnerable people in Sandwell could benefit if plans to expand a life-changing service is approved.
Councillors are being asked to back the plans for a specialist adaptation service which provides equipment to enable people to live independent lives.
The cabinet is expected to give a green light to plans to move Sandwell Prevention Stores to new premises to help cope with the growing demands of its services.
A report to councillors says last year the service delivered 38,373 items of equipment to 15,237 people.
It also collected over 21,000 items that were no longer needed and recycled 75 per cent which were then available for re-use.
Health bosses say the store helps people return to their homes following treatment, reducing the pressures on hospitals.
David Stevens, executive director of adult social care, health and well-being, said: “The ageing population and stretched health services are increasing demand on the service, which has seen significant increase in demand of 30 per cent over the past two to three years with further demand increases inevitable.
“The service has a total annual budget of £2,126,200 and employs a total of 36 staff who are involved in the processing of daily orders, delivering, collecting and maintaining of equipment and technology.
“At any one point the service will hold stock between valued at £500-700,000.”
He added: “It forms a key part of the ‘Hospital 2 Home Team’ and plays a vital role in ensuring people can be discharged from hospital as soon as they are medically fit.
“The ‘Hospital 2 Home Team’ ensures that any Delayed Transfers of Care are minimised and Sandwell is currently the best performer in the West Midlands and consistently in the top 10 in England.”
Cabinet members are being asked to back a plan to relocate the stores to Spon Lane Industrial Estate, Spring Road, Smethwick, from its present home on Crystal Drive.
