Department of Health appoints Opcare Ltd to provide Prosthetic and Orthotic Services in the Isle of Man The Department of Health is pleased to advise that, following a competitive tendering process, Opcare Ltd has been awarded a five year contract to provide Prosthetic and Orthotic services to patients in the Isle of Man. The new provider will take over service from the incumbent provider, Chas Blachfords, from 5th August 2011, and the contract will run until 2016. Opcare Ltd is a well established leading service provider in the provision of Prosthetics and Orthotics throughout the United Kingdom and fully appreciates the Department of Health’s emphasis on the importance of delivering a high quality service to patients. Patients have been advised directly of the changes in the service provider. Chas Blatchford has delivered a reliable and dedicated service, developing a caring relationship with all service users and patients. It is imperative to the Department of Health that this high level of care continues and the Department is confident that Opcare will provide an equally successful and high quality service. A detailed plan to transfer the care of patients and service users from Chas Blatchford’s to Opcare will begin shortly. This will mean that there will be no interruption in patient care. Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said “The tendering process is an integral part of service provision where Government deems it appropriate to source services from third parties. This ensures transparency, competition, value for money and enables Government to monitor quality of service. Change is not always easy, but every step possible is being taken to minimise impact on patients. Clearly these services are vital, improving many people’s quality of life, giving them independence in mobility, reduction of pain, improved function and also help prevent deformity. “Opcare Ltd is known for its quality and innovation of service provision. The Department was impressed with their professionalism and reassured by the references we received from other health authorities to whom they provide service. Staff look forward to working with them to develop the orthotic and prosthetic service provision here on the Island.” The Department of Health is to organise a ‘Meet the Team’ day at the Central Community Health Centre, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, where patients and service users will be invited to attend for an introduction and service overview. The date and time information for this event will be advised at the earliest opportunity. Bev Critchlow, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies, said “We would like to reassure our patients and users of the service that there will be no interruptions in their care during the transition phase. We are confident that Opcare Ltd will deliver a high quality service to the Island’s residents. They are known for their innovation and excellent quality. We are pleased to have them working with us.” If patients and users of the service have any enquiries, they can contact Michelle Breed, Acting Physiotherapy Manager on 650681 or michelle.breed@gov.im. - ENDS -