Scope
Reference
PEO/25007
Description
Plymouth requires a Community Equipment Service (CES) for adults and children within the Plymouth City Council area or those on the outskirts if registered with a GP in Plymouth.
This service provides equipment relating to a prescribed, clinical need to support a person in their own home. This includes equipment such as beds, mattresses and mobility aids. Equipment may be provided to support someone with a short term need, while they recover from illness, or longer term or permanent ill health. Referrals to the service are made by prescribing organisations such as Livewell Southwest, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, St Luke's Hospice and Practice Plus Group Hospitals.
CES includes the provision of a range of Core Stock equipment which is most frequently used, more specialist Non-Stock equipment ordered on an ad-hoc basis and Minor Adaptations. It is a requirement that the service is supported by a comprehensive web based IT platform for the provider and those referring to the service.
A team of Plymouth City Council and Livewell staff have been working together across children's and adult services to enact a contingency plan for the contract. This has included liaison with key partners who rely on the service, including University Hospitals Plymouth and St Lukes'.
The contract is expected to run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2029, 3 years, 4 months with a value of £9,100,000 excluding VAT.
Contract 1. Plymouth Community Equipment Service
Supplier
Contract value
- £9,100,000 excluding VAT
- £9,100,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
30 September 2025
Contract dates
- 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2029
- 3 years, 4 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKK41 - Plymouth
Signed contract documents
CES Contract - 04022026.pdf
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Special regime
Light touch
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Due to the unexpected sudden failure of the previous Community Equipment Service provider, there was not adequate time to run a competitive tender process.
The Community Equipment Service provides a vital service to local residents, failure to maintain the service would have a detrimental impact on individuals safety and wellbeing. The service is critically important in ensuring that people are able to leave hospital safely with the equipment they need.
Supplier
MILLBROOK HEALTHCARE LTD
- Companies House: 00833987
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXMQ-4279-NRYQ
Nutsey Lane Calmore Ind Estate
Southampton
SO40 3XJ
United Kingdom
Email: contracts@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk
Website: https://millbrookhealthcare.co.uk/
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Plymouth Community Equipment Service
Contracting authority
Plymouth City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBQP-8499-TLMP
Ballard House, West Hoe Road
Plymouth
PL1 3BJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK41 - Plymouth
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government