November marks the first year CMEDS was established in BC to recycle and re- use children’s medical equipment (formerly CMERLS). To mark this year, we would like to highlight some key achievements of the CMEDS program:
In November 2017, The Ministry of Child and Family Development awarded HME the contract to provide services for the CMEDS program. The program is primarily operated out of HME’s existing three locations in B.C., specifically the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island offices. The CMEDS program supplies equipment to families throughout BC. For families outside the lower mainland, HME uses a network of equipment dealers.
We established a website to have information readily available for therapists and families regarding the CMEDS program. (http://www.hmebc.com/cmeds-program/)
Based on therapist feedback, we established electronic paperless CMEDS user-manual database for equipment. (http://www.hmebc.com/equipment-user-manual-database/)
Based on therapist feedback, we established the CMEDS equipment inventory listing to keep therapists informed of what equipment is in the CMEDS pool. (http://www.hmebc.com/cmeds-equipment-listing/)
Created the CMEDS newsletter to highlight key CMEDS activities and updates.
HME began receiving equipment in November of 2017, with the goal of servicing and delivering equipment in December of 2017. HME was able to start deliveries in November 2017, and through October 2018, we have delivered over 500 pieces of equipment into client’s homes in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Additionally, CMEDS has delivered 180 pieces of equipment to clients outside of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Finally, CMEDS has collected and recycled 775 pieces of equipment and repaired over 509 pieces of equipment during the same period.
Throughout the process, CMEDS would like to thank therapists and families for providing excellent guidance and feedback along the way. Key program items like the CMEDS newsletter, and changes to forms and website were done with assistance and feedback of therapists.
We continue to look forward to improving this program and welcome feedback.
Timing of CMEDS Requests
CMEDS Deliveries
From the time of request for new CMEDS equipment to the time the equipment is delivered, MCFD and CMEDS aim to have the delivery done within 3-4 weeks. This allows time for MCFD adjuster to review file, CMEDS to review loan pool and setup equipment.
CMEDS Repairs
From the time a family or therapist contacts CMEDS to the time of initial visit, CMEDS aims to be out to the client within 2-3 business days. From there, if parts are required, it may take 3-4 weeks to get parts in. Given that CMEDS has over 300 different types of equipment in the pool, it is not feasible to have all parts available. The time to order the parts in and then schedule an appointment to install, is normal part of the repair cycle.
CMEDS Returns
Typically scheduled within 2-3 business days.
Thank you to all of the Therapists who came out to our CMEDS give-away on October 24th!!
