Navigating the collapse of NRS Healthcare together

We’re standing with occupational therapists as they face the fallout from the collapse of NRS Healthcare – a major provider of community equipment services. 

We know this is likely to have a serious impact on many services across England and Northern Ireland. While many of our members are currently managing with existing stock and short-term arrangements, we’re hearing growing concerns about how this may affect their ability to support people safely in the weeks and months ahead. 

We also recognise that NRS Healthcare employed around 60 occupational therapists. If you're a member affected by this and need support, our Professional Advisory Service is here for you. 

We’re actively engaging with national and local partners to push for urgent action and to make sure your voice is heard in conversations with governments across the UK, including Northern Ireland, HCPC and others. We've written to the Health Ministers in all four nations to ask about their plans for ensuring continuity of supply and support for frontline staff and we expect an early response. 

We understand how tough this situation is. Not having the right equipment isn’t just inconvenient – it puts people at real risk of harm. It’s essential for safe care, whether at home or in hospital. 

Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: 

We're very concerned about the collapse of NRS Healthcare and the serious impact this is already having on occupational therapists and the people accessing their services. Access to the right equipment is not a luxury, it’s essential for people to be safe in hospital and at home. Not having the right equipment can put people at serious risk of harm. Many of our members are reliant on NRS’ services and they’re telling us they’re facing operational and ethical challenges in continuing to support people safely. Our recent workforce survey found that around a third (32%) of our members said the lack of equipment or adaptations is already limiting the care they can provide. This disruption risks making an already difficult situation worse, putting people’s recovery and discharge at risk. Governments across the UK must step in immediately to secure supply continuity and support frontline staff.

The Leadership Network is open to all RCOT members – you don’t need to be in a leadership role to take part.