A Margate woman whose partner died this month says the medical equipment supplier contracted by Kent County Council has refused to collect a hospital bed and other items, telling her she has to drop them off and finding a way to do that is “her problem.”
Prue Abrahams lost Brian King, her partner of 15 years, to leukaemia at the beginning of August. The equipment, which also includes a wheelchair, walking frame, grab rails, commode and bath slats, was delivered to Prue’s home in July by company NRS Healthcare.
That firm hit financial issues and was on the brink of collapse before going into liquidation, leading KCC to change contractor to Medequip.
On KCC’s website it warns that due to the changeover equipment may not be collected straight away but will be picked up “as soon as we can.”
However, Prue says she was told she would have to call the hospital and take the equipment – including the hospital bed- back herself.
The 58-year-old said: “I was told it can’t be collected and if I didn’t return it I would be liable for the cost.
“The equipment was only here a couple of weeks but you can’t just dump these things because they belong to the NHS. Brian was referred and an OT (occupational therapist) came out and the equipment was delivered the same day, it was all very efficient.
“There is a number you phone for collection. At first I couldn’t get through but when I did I was shocked by the response.
“They said they weren’t collecting and when I asked what I should do with it all the woman said ‘that’s your problem’ and that ‘it belongs to the NHS and you have a duty to return it.’
“I told her that was what I was trying to do and she said phone the hospital and take it to their collection point.
“So, I have all this equipment and they think I should take it myself to the hospital. It needs to be gone because I am moving and I do not want to have to look at this stuff because Brian died here.”
A KCC spokesperson said people should not be told to drop off equipment and they would contact the authority’s commissioners to manage this.
They added: “During the initial service transition to Medequip, urgent and critical equipment needs are being prioritised so there may be a short delay for other equipment needs/collections.
“We are advising people to speak to whoever prescribed their equipment initially (GP, Hospital, Occupational Health) for updates.”
The spokesperson said they would pass on details and try to get a collection arranged.
The Medequip website states: “As of Friday 1 August 2025, Medequip became the new provider of the Community Equipment Loan Service in Kent, taking over from NRS Healthcare.
“Only a critical and urgent service is available during the initial phase of the transition.
“We are working closely with council and NHS partners to minimize disruption and work towards a full service, as quickly as possible.”
The website says equipment collections will be paused temporarily during the transition period and in the meantime, people should hold onto any equipment they wish to return.
UPDATE
Thanks to intervention from The Isle of Thanet News and a KCC press officer Prue has now (August 21) had the items collected.
KCC “spokesperson “step in – arrange a collection and provide a service . Heartless and cruel treatment at best .
I think the spokesperson is trying to do that
Brian was a close friend. Please contact me. I’ll gladly return the equipment.
Write to the hospital (recorded delivery) telling them that there will be a charge for safe storage of their property.
Plenty on Charitable groups who help out in situations like this.Just ask citizens advice service
Tell Wes Streeting!
My mum had the same problem back in 2018, which is when her dad died. After 3 months she got so annoyed that she contacted British heart foundation furniture charity shop to collect the big stuff; and smaller items like walking frame, walking stick, unopened adult nappies etc she asked Age UK in Margate to take them. KCC did try to fine mum, but due to the evidence she had collected, it was thrown out of court without any charges.
No wonder the NHS is in such a mess !!!!
Write a polite letter to the supplier stating that their bed is ready for collection within 48 hours of their stated collection date. In the meantime, you are charging them £5 per day for storage. Send them a weekly invoice for storage. [Remember to be polite and helpful in tone]