House of Lords acknowledgement for CECOPS Code of Practice

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, Earl Howe, has recognised the merits of our Code of Practice during a House of Lords discussion. His comments were in response to a number of questions raised in the Lords by Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, relating to community equipment.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State said:
“The Department is aware of the Community Equipment Code of Practice Scheme (CECOPS) and the Secretary of State has corresponded with its chair, Sir Bert Massie. While it is for the local NHS, social care providers, voluntary sector organisations and other key partners to determine local priorities, the Code of Practice is a useful tool which the Department will bring to the attention of NHS England and other partners as part of ongoing discussions.”

He added: “It is the responsibility of individual employers to ensure that their staff are appropriately trained and competent for the role they perform. We would therefore expect staff providing care in all settings to promote the safe and appropriate use of all equipment or medical devices, and expect providers of regulated health and adult social care to ensure that staff who use such devices are aware of the associated risks; and have access to training and support to develop and maintain their knowledge and skills.”

CECOPS Chairman, Sir Bert Massie, says:
“This is a very welcomed acknowledgment and statement of support by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State concerning the CECOPS Code of Practice. We hope his response also alerts commissioners and providers in all care settings to their responsibilities where equipment is concerned. Working with CECOPS’ Code will undoubtedly help commissioners and providers meet their responsibilities, at the same time as improving clinical and financial outcomes. A win-win really!”