CECOPS is a not-for-profit social enterprise and is chaired by Sir Bert Massie CBE, DL. CECOPS has its own Code of Practice, which essentially offers a quality framework for procurement (commissioning) & provision of services. The Code covers commissioning, service provision & clinical responsibilities. The Code sets out the only available service specific standards for these services.
The Code can also be seen on Fab NHS Stuff here: http://fabnhsstuff.net/2015/03/07/cecops-uk-wide-code-of-practice-for-disability-equipment-wheelchair-and-seating-services/
Working with CECOPS offers commissioners & providers a simple & effective way of ensuring all aspects of quality, safety & performance are comprehensively covered & that good clinical & financial outcomes ensue. CECOPS acts as the standards body for this service area & operates a registration & accreditation scheme for Users of the Code. Accreditation involves an assessment by CECOPS partners DNV-GL Healthcare, world leaders in quality and risk management.
“East Lancashire CES successful accreditation to CECOPS gives commissioners the assurance that every element of our Community Equipment Service meets the necessary national standards.” NHS Director of Service Development, East Lancashire Hospitals CECOPS also offers a range of support & tools. This includes iCOPS® online self-evaluation & continuous improvement tool. This allows commissioners & providers, including clinical teams, to assess where they are, see where they need to be and how to get there. Details available here: www.icops.co.uk.
An iCOPS® product for planning & commissioning Technology Enabled Care Services also featured in Fab NHS Stuff: http://fabnhsstuff.net/2015/05/01/new-tool-support-planning-commissioning-technology-enabled-care-services-tecs/
Including CECOPS registration & accreditation in tender specifications saves commissioners a significant amount of time, effort & cost. Working with CECOPS also helps with contract management. It is a good way for providers & clinical staff to demonstrate their commitment to quality & to providing an excellent service. Gaining CECOPS accreditation will also help providers secure contracts. Already approximately 40 NHS organisations & local authorities are working with CECOPS.
The work of CECOPS is supported by many organisations including for example, HSE, CQC, ADASS and many others… Disability equipment is a fundamental part of our care system, & society as a whole. We believe that effective equipment provision results in good clinical and financial outcomes, and is vital in supporting policies and strategies for keeping more people safe and independent, and for addressing ageing population issues.
The work of CECOPS helps to ensure these aims can be met. Our work is timely in view of the campaign and charter to improve Wheelchair Services in England. The chair of the NHS Wheelchair Leadership Alliance, Baroness (Tanni) Grey-Thompson, has provided a foreword for the CECOPS Code. “However optimistic and committed governments and organisations are to improving outcomes for disabled people, practical steps are required to make these improvements; I believe this Code lays down steps that need to be taken. Let’s just hope it is followed!”
Our work will also support Councils in meeting the aims of the Care Act in terms of prevention, well-being, person-centred care and personal budgets, for example.
Get in touch to find out more: T: 01494 863398 E: [email protected] W: www.cecops.org.uk