Understanding the state of CES today
In mid-June, Millbrook Healthcare returned to the NAEP Annual Conference at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth (16–18 June). This gathering of Community Equipment Services professionals offers a real-time view of the sector’s current priorities and challenges.
Industry priorities at a glance
- Environmental sustainability
A main-stage session by Lord Chris Rennard MBE explored where the net-zero agenda stands for equipment providers – and why “green” still matters amid changing health and social care priorities. - Immersive training
Conference delegates experienced life-changing VR simulators for dementia and autism – tools designed to deepen empathy and inform product design and delivery. - Targeted workshops
Eight 45-minute workshops – each repeated twice – covered topics from managing skin integrity in dementia patients to optimising referral pathways, reflecting the push for clinically governed, person-centred care.
Key reflections from our stand
At our exhibition space, Millbrook Healthcare colleagues shared updates on enhanced referral processes, route-optimisation software and training programmes designed for right-first-time delivery. Conversations underscored that today’s CES landscape demands:
- Collaboration across commissioners, clinicians and providers to reduce delays.
- Innovation in both technology (like VR and route-planning) and service design.
- Sustainability considerations baked into procurement and operations.
While the tools and techniques continue to evolve, one thing is clear: delivering independence and dignity for service users remains at the heart of every discussion. NAEP 2025 provided a timely snapshot of our sector – showing us where we are today and guiding where we go next.
Learn more about Millbrook’s Community Equipment Services here.
