Dear Practitioners
We are writing to provide an update on the SWEP
Non-customised Assistive Technology Tender.
As mentioned in our previous communique
dated December 2022, SWEP undertook a formal procurement process for
non-customised assistive technology equipment last year. In December contracts
were awarded to eight suppliers and we are excited to announce that all
contracts have just now been endorsed.
All tender contracted items have been
loaded into the SWEP database and added to the online SWEP Contracted Items
Picklist Catalogue. We are currently working on a new
improved online catalogue, which we hope to roll out in the coming months, that
will include pictures and more comprehensive details of each tendered item.
The Clinical Experts and Rehabilitation
Engineer involved in the tender process and product evaluation have provided
valuable insight into their involvement and input to the tender process which
is available to view on the SWEP website here . We encourage
you to view this video which outlines the robust product evaluation process.
We want to take this opportunity to remind
you all of the three phased approach when you are recommending items for your consumers as below:
A. Always consider
refurbished options (where appropriate)
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.
Should you have any queries regarding these
comms, please email swep@bhs.org.au
