People urged to be aware of rogues posing as Medequip staff
Birmingham residents who receive equipment via Medequip - contractors who work with Birmingham City Council and the NHS to provide aids to independent living - are being warned about rogues posing as Medequip staff.
Following reports of two incidents of drivers posing as Medequip staff in the Hall Green area (B28), people are being reminded to remain vigilant before allowing anyone into their home.
An elderly woman’s home was targeted on Monday (12 October 2015) by a man, dressed in a dark blue outfit similar to a Medequip staff uniform. He asked for her bank details, claiming she now had to pay for the service and the information was needed to set up a standing order to cover the cost. Fortunately, on this occasion, a neighbour intervened and the perpetrator quickly disappeared.
Equipment provided by Medequip, on behalf of Birmingham City Council and the NHS, is free of charge.
These incidents have been reported to West Midlands Police but patients who are not happy with anyone calling uninvited at their home or are suspicious of conversations they have with the caller should contact police via the non-emergency number 101.
Medequip provide equipment to assist independent living – such as bath seats/lifts, walking aids, hoists and commodes – to enable older people to remain in their own homes.
Birmingham citizens, who receive community equipment from Medequip, are being urged to be vigilant should a representative call or visit their home unexpectedly.
If people have any doubts about a representative’s credentials or claims, contact Medequip Customer Support Team on 0845 340 4430
Vital things to remember are:
- Medequip technicians will always drive a fully liveried van with prominent Medequip, Birmingham City Council and NHS logos (see photo above)
- The drivers wear a Medequip uniform (see photo above) and carry full identification. If in doubt, please ask to see their Medequip ID
- All equipment provided by Medequip on behalf of the NHS and Birmingham City Council is free of charge - so if anyone asks for money, then alarm bells should be ringing.
- Never let a person into your home without confirming who they are and their reason for calling/visiting. If in doubt, refuse entry and contact the organisation they purport to represent
Please ring the Medequip Customer Support Team on 0845 340 4430 if you experience any unexpected or unusual contact in relation to the equipment loans service.
ENDS
Media contact: Emma Brady, Press & PR Officer, on 0121 303 6969 or email emma.brady@birmingham.gov.uk
