New suppliers found with healthcare firm on brink

The suppliers cover healthcare equipment and technology services

Thousands of residents in a county relying on a supplier of healthcare equipment will be switched to new companies amid concerns the previous one is on the brink of going bust.

NRS Healthcare, which works with the NHS and about 40 councils in England and Northern Ireland, was expected to run out of cash by the end of last week, the BBC understood.

NRS supplies a wide range of equipment from wheelchairs and hoists to hospital beds and pendants which monitor falls.

Herefordshire Council said two council-commissioned providers took over services for about 12,000 residents in the county on Friday.

Hoople Ltd is providing items such as shower chairs, toilet frames and hoists while Careium UK is taking over technology services including lifeline units, fall detectors and emergency call monitoring.

The council said people who use those services did not need to take any action or change their routines or equipment use.

They were, however, advised to make a note of new contact details for the companies.

Hilary Hall, corporate director of community wellbeing, said the council worked quickly as soon as it became aware of concerns, adding: "We have found new suppliers who can pick up these services immediately with minimum disruption."

Close eye on situation

In a statement on Wednesday, NRS Healthcare said the firm had been working hard over the past few months "to turn around the business and explore all possible options to safeguard services and protect the communities who rely on them".

"We have already begun transferring all services to other providers and are implementing plans with the local authorities to preserve service provision and jobs," said a spokesperson.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said: "We are closely monitoring this situation and are working with a range of partners who are supporting local authorities to minimise any potential disruption, find alternative suppliers if needed and ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care."