A new wheelchair pathway for Somerset has been devised that substantially alters the traditional model of Service delivery to wheelchair users in Somerset. Wheelchairs and seating is usually provided as a tertiary service from specialist centres, of which none are based within Somerset. The anticipated population of wheelchair users in Somerset is 8,200. Typically the users are often children and older people, for which a wheelchair forms only one part of their overall health and social care needs, and for whom traveling to appointments or clinics is a barrier through both physical needs and the rural nature of Somerset. Providers should consult the Somerset CCG Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for more details on the demographics and health of the population at www.somersetccg.nhs.uk

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced service provider as the lead provider in the development and delivery of the whole pathway, with specific remit for delivering the specialist wheelchair and seating assessments and provision of equipment logistics elements of the Wheelchair Pathway within Somerset. This intends to integrate wheelchair provision into the individuals holistic care plan, increase choice and quality of care, and bring care closer to home.

The successful bidder will need to develop an infrastructure within Somerset from which to deliver services, which may mean working alongside Health Service providers, the local authority and independent sector.

Somerset CCG is looking for an innovative provider that will understand the principles of the whole pathway and develop the operational practices that will achieve the pathway and patient outcomes; broadening and driving improvements across the wheelchair Pathway.

Delivering this new innovative service will require an understanding of the geography, transport links and travel times within the county.