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SWEP Communique - SWEP Non-customised Assistive Technology Tender Outcome

22 December 2022

Dear AT Practitioners

We are writing to you to let you know that our current Supplier contracts for non-customised assistive technology, are due to expire on 31 December 2022.    

This year we undertook a formal procurement process, including a desktop and hands-on evaluation of over 500 pieces of assistive technology including manual wheelchairs, walking aids, scooters, three function beds, mattresses, pressure cushions, bathroom aids, hoists, specialised seating, rise recline chairs etc.   This involved engagement of three experts from our Clinical Advisory Panel to undertake the actual evaluation of products put forward by Suppliers. 

The extremely robust evaluation process has ensured that equipment selected has been certified under the relevant Standards, meets the specifications required by our consumer group and has been secured at the best possible price.   

This ensures that our contracted equipment range remains relevant to current technologies, includes the latest models and features, provides value for money and ensures that our equipment range can meet the needs of the vast majority of people accessing our service for equipment.  

 

As part of this latest procurement strategy, we want to emphasise the importance of a three phased approach when you are recommending items for your consumer as follows:

 

A.   Always consider refurbished options

A good range of equipment is readily available through our refurbished equipment pool. This equipment meets relevant Standards, the history of the equipment is known and it has been competently refurbished by highly qualified technicians.

 

B.    Select a contract item from our picklists

As described above, there is a great range of assistive technology available through our non-customised Supplier contracts, with multiple options to select from across each equipment category. As per current process, no quote is required.

 

C.   Obtain quote for 'off-contract' item

Where you can't find a solution from A and B that meets the needs of the consumer, you can source an alternative quoted item, to match exact need. In the future, planned changes to our database may require you to provide additional clinical rationale when you are requesting an 'off-contract' item.   

 

In January 2023 we will be launching a new online catalogue, which will replace the current PDF picklist catalogue.   We will advise as soon as this new catalogue tool is available.   In the interim a PDF picklist catalogue for the new contract items will be available from 1 January, 2023 via our website and replace the existing picklist.    

 

We are also launching an online video from our Clinical Advisor Panel Members who undertook the product evaluation, to provide insight into the Evaluation process. 

 

As new products will be launched from 1 January, 2023 the SWEP Portal will be closed 29 December, 2022 to1 January, 2023 at 9:00am in order to upload the new picklist items, and remove current picklist items.  

 

Please note if you have submitted an Application prior to 1 January, 2023 using the current contract items, we are negotiating with those Suppliers to retain contract pricing for those applications only.

 

Kind Regards
SWEP Leadership Team
 


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