The start of August 2025 will see a change in our supplier of community equipment and TEC, which includes equipment like pressure mattresses, hoists and pendant alarms helping people to continue to live independently at home and supporting people being discharged from hospital.
From 1 August 2025, we’re changing our supplier from NRS Healthcare to Millbrook Healthcare. We are working with other local authorities as part of a consortium across Berkshire and with our NHS partners together with both providers to ensure as smooth a handover as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to return equipment supplied by NRS?
No. Please continue to use your equipment as normal.
I already have equipment on order. How long will it take? What do I do meanwhile?
Orders after 1 August will be fulfilled by Millbrook Healthcare.
If there are any delays, your social worker or therapist will contact you to agree a plan while you wait.
How do I return equipment I no longer need?
You can drop off small and medium items at:
- Observatory House Car Park
- Chalvey Household Waste Recycling Centre.
The following larger items cannot be placed in the community equipment containers:
- mattresses
- profiling beds
- mobile hoists.
For wheelchairs, contact:
NHS East Berkshire Specialist Mobility Service
Call: 0118 904 3222
Please hold on to larger items for now. Your social worker or therapist will be in touch with return instructions.
My equipment needs an urgent repair (e.g. a hoist has broken). What should I do?
If your equipment requires urgent attention, please:
- Call: 01753 475111 (option 1) and a member of staff can complete the form on your behalf.
- Email: asc.admin@slough.gov.uk
- Complete the online form (if you have internet access).
You can also contact your allocated social worker or therapist, who will assist you.
What if I need new equipment?
Please continue to request equipment in the usual way using your current contact routes, via the Adult Social Care's First Contact team by:
- Call: 01753 475111 (Option 1)
- Email: adultsocialcare@slough.gov.uk.
I’m waiting for bespoke equipment. What happens now?
We are sourcing bespoke items where necessary through alternative suppliers in the immediate short term.
If there are delays or changes in the order, your allocated social worker or therapist will contact you to discuss options and any interim support that may need to be put in place.
Will my care be affected?
Our priority is people’s safety and wellbeing. If you have community equipment or technology including Telecare in your own home currently provided by NRS there will be no change. Care packages and other care services are not affected and will remain the same.
In some cases, support may need to be increased if the supply of equipment is delayed during the transition to the new provider, your allocated social worker or therapist will discuss this with you if needed.
My family member is in hospital; will it affect their discharge?
Through our new supplier, we’ll continue to provide equipment to support those being discharged from hospital. There may be a short delay during the transition period, but we’re working hard to keep this to an absolute minimum.
Can I buy my own equipment?
Yes, you can. Please contact the person who recommended your equipment, who will be able to give advice on what to purchase.
Will my pendant alarm still work?
Yes. Your pendant alarm will continue to operate without interruption. If it helps you feel reassured, you can test your pendant or press the red button on your lifeline unit as usual
What do I do if I need a repair to my pendant alarm?
Call: 01753 475111 (option1) to arrange for it to be repaired.
Who will service my equipment?
In the immediate short term, we are arranging servicing for items in the community while Millbrook Healthcare transitions to their long-term servicing and maintenance plan.
If your equipment is overdue a service, arrangements will be made to complete this as soon as possible.