Regional rehabilitation engineering mobility service (RREMS)

RREMS provides rehabilitation engineering support to twelve regional wheelchair service providers in the specialist field of posture and wheeled mobility, offering advice and guidance to healthcare professionals, and contributing to the multi-disciplinary assessment of users in the provision of wheelchairs and special seating.

RREMS is responsible for the provision of powered wheelchairs and manages the approved repair and refurbishment contracts throughout the region.

Rehabilitation Engineering is the clinical application of engineering science and principles to develop technological solutions and devices in the provision of services, research and development to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

RREMS Clinical Technologists work in collaboration with twelve regional wheelchair services in both clinical and community settings, delivering technical advice and solutions relating to the specialist field of posture and wheeled mobility, our activities include:

Powered wheelchair provision

Individual assessment, specification, procurement and handover of all power wheelchairs inclusive of a residential environmental risk and accessibility assessment.

Bespoke modifications and risk management

Specification and provision of adaptations and modifications to mobility equipment to meet individual user needs where no commercial equivalents exist, including associated risk assessment and management, subject to legal or safety limitations.

Specialist power mobility controls provision

Initial assessment, specification, procurement & commissioning of a wide range of specialist power mobility control systems and subsequent technical and operational support to the individual user in the community.

Adverse incident management

Investigation, reporting and subsequent management of adverse incidents to wheelchair users from the twelve regional wheelchair service providers. Reporting is carried out via MHRA and local Datix where appropriate with direct liaison with manufacturers if required.

Technical support for healthcare professionals

Provision of advice and recommendations to a variety of healthcare professionals within wheelchair services and other organisations involved with care provision in regard to availability and suitability of equipment and technology, changes to existing equipment configuration, availability and compatibility of parts and accessories to suit the individual user need.

Training

Provision of formal training courses to healthcare professional teams and individuals, patient family members and care staff.

Research and development

Direct collaboration with manufacturers regards new product design and specification with a history of influence from concept through prototype to final production.

New product evaluation

Assessment and evaluation of new mobility products and accessories to ensure quality, compliance and suitability prior to supply.

Repair and refurbishment programme

Procurement of and monitoring and control of a high quality user-friendly repair service to wheelchair users from the twelve regional wheelchair service providers, with the majority of repairs being carried out in the user’s home. Procurement of an efficient, cost-effective reconditioning for reissue service for returned wheelchairs and the monitoring and control of the technical standards of the activities.

If you require a repair to your NHS supplied wheelchair please contact our approved repair contractor; Ross Care by telephoning 0191 4155151.

Please note: All maintenance and repairs resulting from fair wear and tear will be carried out free of charge, although this free repair service is only available at your current place of residence.

Framework agreement

Provision and management of a region wide framework agreement, for the supply of powered wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, buggies, postural equipment, associated accessories, consumables and spares.

Service provision

We assess children and adults of all ages and disabilities including, age related disability, amputees, arthritis, autism, cerebral palsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular accident, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, neurological conditions, spinal bifida and spinal injuries.

Patients will be seen by a Clinical Technologist specialising in Rehabilitation Engineering individually, or together with wheelchair service therapy staff and seating specialists as part of a multi-disciplinary assessment.

Our staff are located within three regional Disablement Service Centres at Freeman Hospital Newcastle, James Cook University Hospital Middlesbrough and Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle but work region wide supporting our partner wheelchair services. If you have a query, regarding your NHS supplied wheelchair or require further information relating to obtaining a wheelchair or a Personal Wheelchair Budget (a resource available to support people to access a wider choice of wheelchair either within or outside NHS commissioned services) for yourself or someone else, please contact the relevant local wheelchair service.

Newcastle: 0191 2231186

Gateshead: 0191 4971599

Northumberland: 01670 730595

North Tyneside: 0191 2828090

South Tyneside: 0191 4041097

Sunderland: 0191 5205552

North Durham: 0191 3336327

South Durham: 01325 743861

North Tees: 01429 522471

Hartlepool: 01429 522471

South Tees: 01642 854127

North Cumbria: 01228 814783